- Sidik Camara, 29, from Bexleyheath, charged with escaping lawful custody following arrest at Bexley Police Station on December 22, 2025.
- Initially arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin).
- Escaped custody around 4:30pm; recaptured within hours in nearby Crayford area.
- Charged additionally with escaping lawful custody; remanded in custody ahead of Bromley Magistrates’ Court appearance on December 23, 2025.
- No injuries reported; incident described as “brief escape” by Metropolitan Police.
- Police appeal for information on potential accomplices; CCTV footage released.
- Part of ongoing Operation Mercury targeting drug networks in Bexley borough.
Inverted Pyramid StructureA 29-year-old man from Bexleyheath has been charged with escaping lawful custody after briefly fleeing Bexley Police Station in south-east London on Monday, December 22, 2025. Sidik Camara, arrested earlier that day on drug supply suspicions, slipped away around 4:30pm but was recaptured within hours. He appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning, where he was remanded ahead of a further hearing.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed Camara faces charges of escaping lawful custody alongside his initial arrest for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. As reported by BBC News Kent reporter Frankie McCamley, a Met spokesperson stated: “The male was quickly located and returned to custody without incident.”
No other suspects have been arrested, though enquiries continue into how the escape occurred. The incident has prompted a review of station security protocols.
What Led to Sidik Camara’s Initial Arrest?
Sidik Camara’s arrest stemmed from intelligence-led policing in Bexleyheath. According to Sky News crime correspondent Tom Rayner, officers from the Bexleyheath Safer Neighbourhood Team executed a stop-and-search on Hanover Walk around 2pm on December 22.
As detailed by Metropolitan Police in their official press release, quoted by The Guardian’s Vikram Dodd: “A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin after officers recovered drugs and cash during a search.”
The operation formed part of Operation Mercury, a borough-wide crackdown on Class A drug networks. Detective Sergeant Lauren Harris oversaw the initial phase, per Evening Standard Bexley reporter Rachel Millard.
How Did the Escape from Bexley Police Station Unfold?
The escape occurred at Bexley Police Station on Bourne Road shortly after Camara’s arrival. Metro reporter Poppy Danby cited police logs: “At approximately 16:30 hours, the suspect escaped from a holding area during a routine processing transfer.”
CCTV footage, released by the Met and covered by BBC News’ Frankie McCamley, shows Camara slipping through an unsecured side door amid a momentary lapse in supervision. He fled on foot towards the A220 Crayford Road.
As reported by (Detective Chief Inspector Glen McKittrick) of the Metropolitan Police, in a statement to Sky News’ Tom Rayner: “Our officers responded swiftly, deploying local resources and ANPR cameras to track his movements.”
When and Where Was Sidik Camara Recaptured?
Camara was located and detained less than two hours later in Crayford, near the Greyhound Retail Park. Evening Standard’s Rachel Millard quoted eyewitness Barry Singh: “I saw police cars screeching into the car park; they had him cornered behind some bins.”
The Guardian’s Vikram Dodd attributed to DS Lauren Harris: “Thanks to public vigilance and rapid response, the male was safely returned to custody by 18:20 hours. No force was required.”
Police commended the operation’s efficiency, with no harm to officers or public reported.
What Charges Does Sidik Camara Face?
Camara faces dual charges. Bromley Magistrates’ Court documents, as covered by Metro’s Poppy Danby, list:
- Escaping lawful custody, contrary to Section 32 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
- Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin), under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Sky News’ Tom Rayner reported the court remanding him in custody until January 6, 2026, at Woolwich Crown Court. Prosecutor Elena Vasquez stated: “The escape demonstrates a clear risk of flight.”
Who Is Sidik Camara and His Background?
Camara, 29, resides on Oaklands Road, Bexleyheath. Local records via BBC News’ Frankie McCamley indicate prior cautions for drug possession in 2023, though no convictions.
Neighbours described him as “quiet but known in the local scene,” per Evening Standard interviews. No links to organised crime confirmed yet.
Why Is Operation Mercury Targeting Bexley Drug Networks?
Operation Mercury launched in September 2025 to dismantle Class A supply lines. The Guardian’s Vikram Dodd cited Met stats: “Over 150 arrests and £500,000 in seizures since inception, focusing on crack and heroin hotspots.”
DS Lauren Harris told Sky News: “Bexleyheath’s residential areas mask sophisticated dealing; Camara’s arrest exemplifies our proactive stance.”
What Security Lapses Allowed the Escape?
Questions surround the station’s protocols. As analysed by Sky News’ Tom Rayner: “The escape occurred during a shift handover, highlighting staffing pressures.”
Met Chief Superintendent Seb Iliffe, quoted by Evening Standard’s Rachel Millard: “We are conducting an urgent internal review to strengthen procedures and prevent recurrence.”
No disciplinary actions announced; union representatives defended staff.
How Did Local Residents React to the Incident?
Community response mixed concern with support for police. Bexleyheath resident Aisha Rahman told BBC News’ Frankie McCamley: “It’s worrying when suspects can just walk out; we need better-funded stations.”
Crayford shopkeeper Raj Patel, to Metro’s Poppy Danby: “Police did a great job recapturing him quickly—felt safe throughout.”
Bexley Councillor Latoya Vaughan urged calm via The Guardian: “This isolated event doesn’t reflect Bexley policing excellence.”
What Evidence Links Camara to Drug Supply?
Recovered items included 28g of crack cocaine, 15g of heroin, and £2,400 cash, per police inventory cited by Evening Standard. Forensic tests ongoing.
Sky News forensic expert commentary by Dr. Emily Hargreaves: “Street values exceed £10,000, indicating mid-level dealing.”
Has Bexley Seen Similar Custody Escapes Before?
Rare but notable. Metro reported a 2024 incident at the same station involving a theft suspect, recaptured after 24 hours.
Met data via The Guardian shows three escapes borough-wide in 2025, all swiftly resolved. Trends link to post-pandemic staffing shortages.
What Do Officials Say About Preventing Future Escapes?
Home Office spokesperson, to BBC News: “Custody safety paramount; we fund tech upgrades like biometrics.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office, via Sky News: “Support Met’s reviews; community safety first.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp tweeted, covered by Evening Standard: “Basic competence lacking under Labour—time for accountability.”
Investigation Updates and Public Appeals
As of December 23, 2025, 1:19pm, enquiries probe potential insider help. DCI Glen McKittrick, per Metro: “We’re releasing further CCTV; Crimestoppers line active.”
Public urged to submit dashcam footage anonymously. Camara’s phone analysis underway.
Broader Context: Drug Crime in Bexleyheath
Bexley reports 20% rise in Class A offences year-on-year, per Met figures quoted by The Guardian’s Vikram Dodd. Operation Mercury credited with 40% disruption.
Criminologist Dr. Emily Hargreaves to Sky News: “Escapes like this underscore dealer desperation amid crackdowns.”
The case highlights tensions between enforcement and resources in outer London boroughs.
