Updated | Asylum seeker awaiting deportation escapes from Safi detention centre

The Home Affairs Ministry said that the police are currently searching for an individual who escaped from the Safe detention centre last night.

A spokesperson for the ministry confirmed that the individual was one of a group of 28 failed asylum seekers who are currently being held at the detention centre in anticipation of their deportation. They were detained two weeks ago and are awaiting the arrival of an African delegation some time during the month of December.

It has been confirmed that a police investigation is underway and a magisterial inquiry is being carried out by magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona.

Disciplinary action has been taken against those responsible for security at the centre.