By SOPHIA STANFORD, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 00:18 BST, 10 August 2026 | Updated: 00:47 BST, 10 August 2026

Margaret Thatcher backed an extraordinary secret plan to wipe out South America’s cocaine crops by unleashing swarms of leaf-eating moths over drug cartel plantations, newly released files reveal.

The scheme, developed during the height of Britain’s war on drugs, would have seen thousands of insects bred by scientists at Porton Down in Wiltshire and air-dropped from helicopters over coca fields in Peru.

Government papers released by the National Archives show Thatcher’s administration spent around £100,000 exploring the idea in a bid to curb the flow of the Class A drug reaching Britain.

At the centre of the plan was Eloria noyesi, a species of moth whose larvae feed almost exclusively on coca leaves, the raw ingredient used to produce cocaine.

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Unlike most insects, the moth can consume coca leaves safely and process the chemicals without suffering any ill effects.

Officials believed the insect could provide a cheap and effective biological weapon against powerful drug trafficking organisations operating across Peru.

Documents from 1989 show military scientists were tasked with investigating ways to breed the moths in huge numbers before releasing them over illicit plantations.

According to Foreign Office briefings, the proposal was inspired by a naturally occurring infestation that devastated coca crops near the Peruvian city of Tarapoto between 1987 and 1988.

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Margaret Thatcher backed a secret plan to wipe out South America’s cocaine crops by unleashing swarms of leaf-eating moths over drug cartel plantations, newly-released files reveal

A DEA agent stands with a blindfolded prisoner following the agency’s raid on a cocaine lab in the Peruvian jungle

An anti-narcotics policeman lifts a bag of cocaine captured during an anti-drug operation in connection with the Cali drug cartel in Lima, Peru on August 27, 1993

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Officials noted that ‘unprecedented swarms’ of the moth had destroyed around 2,000 hectares of illegal coca cultivation, causing estimated losses of more than $37million for traffickers.

The success prompted Peruvian authorities to seek British expertise in developing a mass-rearing programme that could be operated by relatively inexperienced staff.

The files show Thatcher personally supported further investigation of the project and considered the idea ‘sufficiently interesting to merit being pursued’.

However, concerns soon emerged over its effectiveness and the possible environmental consequences.

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The Home Office reportedly concluded that while the scheme appeared technically feasible, any impact on cocaine production would only be temporary.

By the end of 1989, ministers feared that any leak could jeopardise the operation and potentially endanger those involved.

As a result, the brazen plan to fight drug cartels with weaponised moths never progressed beyond the drawing board.

When Mathipa was assigned to the case a month later, he issued a subpoena to special forces to force them to hand over full details of this alleged training exercise and all the personnel involved.

When access to these documents was finally promised, three months later, Mathipa had a premonition that he would be murdered – according to Brig Paulina Sekgobela, his commanding officer.

“When [Mathipa] left my office he said: ‘Brigadier, you know, these people – they are going to kill me. I’m going to die’,” she told the BBC.

On the day Mathipa was killed, he was phoned by a man calling himself Tebogo, who claimed he had information on the case for the detective – according to Mathipa’s daughter Basetsana, who was home with him at the time.

Mathipa and Tebogo arranged to meet at a petrol station in Pretoria.

When Tebogo failed to show, Mathipa drove away again, along the highway.

He was killed while driving, by rounds fired from high-velocity weapons which special forces would have had access to, according to South African police.

And footage from motorway toll gantries, police say, shows one of the occupants of the black BMW, which tailed Mathipa moments before his murder, was Maj Sunnybooi Wambi.

This car, like the three vehicles connected with Abadigga’s disappearance at the mall, was registered to PCT, they add.

New detectives were assigned to the case after Mathipa’s death, triggering a chilling message from special forces, that made its way to the police’s Criminal Intelligence division.

Police say it warned that, however many investigating officers were assigned to the case, “we will kill all of them”.

Twelve members of the South African military have been arrested in total, including Lt Col Sunnybooi Wambi, and the current head of South Africa’s special forces, Brig Gen Solomon Lechoenyo – both promoted to these positions since police first started investigating their roles in the case.

The 12 have been variously charged with the abduction and murder of Abadigga and Abotese, the murder of Mathipa, fraud, and obstruction.

All deny all charges and they were initially released on bail. But six of them later had their bail revoked, and were ordered to turn themselves in to custody.

Three of the six, including Wambi, have been charged with both Mathipa’s murder, and Abotese’s abduction and murder.

New photos show the social media stars, and new parents, relaxing with their family at home

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Molly-Mae Hague has shared new photos with her newborn son, just after her partner faced an online backlash for things he said about Kim Kardashian.

Molly-Mae, 27, and her 27-year-old partner boxer Tommy Fury, have two kids, Bambi and Midas. She shared a snapshot of their lives with newborn Midas, who was born in June. In the pictures, shared on Instagram, she showed off her and Midas’ summer outfits – a yellow vest and black jeans for Molly-Mae and a blue onesie and white top for Midas.

In another, Midas was in a baby chair while Molly-Mae crouched beside him in blue jeans and a white vest. The photographs were taken in the mirror in Molly-Mae’s dressing room, reports the Mirror.

This came just after Tommy hit out at Kim Kardashian’s parenting arrangement, catching him in a media storm. The US reality star has four children with ex Kanye West, and has a team of 10 staff to help raise them. On an episode the podcast Tommy hosts with his dad John, the elder Fury said: “If you can’t look after these kids yourself, don’t have them.”

While Tommy first said they didn’t know the full story, he added: “I don’t understand people who just dump the kids with nannies and mannies all day…”

This caused a backlash, as it was revealed he and Molly-Mae also have help with raising their children. Tommy said: “I’m all for having some help on board and help you out – me and Molly, we have help.

“But we’re with Bambi every day, all day; it’s only if I’ve got to go on a call or Molly’s on a call or we’ve got to shoot out. The baby’s looked after all the time.”

Some listeners disagreed with Tommy’s statements, saying he didn’t understand the “mental load of being the primary caregiver” and claiming the only difference between him and Kim was he was getting help from Molly-Mae’s family for “free”. One said: “A man with a full time nanny judging a woman with a full time nanny!”

Others defended Kim’s. They pointed to her role as a TV star, both in reality television and as an actress, her businesses and her law studies, saying: “Do you realise how many jobs she has? That’s why.”

READ MORE: Family of tragic Minnie Merriman ‘left with nothing’ as they try to ‘rebuild life’

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Another said: “Because it’s a form of childcare like a nursery or childminder for people who have to work.” A third added: “Leave the woman alone. I can do with 15 nannies as a busy working mother. Not easy. We need and can do with the help. Men judging a hard working business woman.”

It has previously been reported that Kim has an extensive childcare operation in place to help her balance raising her children with her huge business commitments. It has been claimed her nannies work on a rotation, with childcare available seven days a week, with full overnight support in place.

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Confidence meets compassion today, as a powerful Leo line-up encourages bold ideas, while the Moon’s move into Cancer reminds us not to ignore our feelings along the way.

At the same time, Mercury’s connection with wound-healer Chiron creates tension between what we say and our deeper insecurities.

Investigating the root of this self-doubt is a key step towards vanquishing it — especially for Gemini, Taurus and Virgo.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Monday August 10, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

With Mercury newly arrived in the most expressive part of your chart, you’ve a fabulous opportunity to showcase your personal charisma. So, why might it be that some resistance can come up inside of you? This could be Chiron, subtly connecting your thinking to any perceived lack of self-worth. Don’t dismiss this, but know, this apart, you can dazzle people now

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

The Moon is very supportive of you today, helping you to align your thinking and feeling. This is helpful for your personal situation, as you can more easily attune to others. So why might you let someone’s comment disturb your peace of mind? Well, your sense of self could be tested by this remark; however, it’s what you feel about yourself that really counts.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Ever since Chiron moved into Taurus in mid-June, this has been asking you to value your vulnerabilities. As the zodiac’s arch communicator and being quick, agile and smart, fears and anxieties can be concealed by your razor-sharp reflexes, fast pivots, and sense of fun. However, today, try not to fend off someone or mask in this way. Celebrate the inner you, too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

The Moon in your sign heightens your sensitivity but reminds you just how good your instincts can be. Thinker Mercury’s awkward angle to Chiron suggests someone in authority or a professional matter could momentarily test your confidence. If so, don’t dwell on this too much. Trust your judgement, be composed, and believe your natural gifts will shine through.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Mercury’s arrival in your sign is sharpening your wit and desire to express your ideas. However, its link today to Chiron hints that you could question whether others truly appreciate your ideas. Resist the temptation to overcompensate or seek reassurance. This is a fleeting influence, so know that for the next two weeks, the celestial stage really can be yours

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Over the next fortnight, your guide, Mercury, encourages some peaceful contemplation. This need for inner zen could now be challenged, if briefly, by its link to teacher Chiron. This asks you to consider whether old beliefs are limiting what you think you can achieve. So, if doubts surface, don’t see them as facts but as an opportunity to update your outlook.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Friends and associates can prove especially supportive today, but Mercury’s square to Chiron suggests someone may unintentionally touch on a sensitive subject. Your need for equilibrium is being heightened by your ruler Venus’s arrival in your sign, and as fabulous as it can be, one downside is that you might believe others will match your diplomacy. They may not.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Professional matters can move forward positively — especially if you really believe in your ideas. Yet Mercury’s angle to Chiron suggests another person’s reaction could make you question your approach. Avoid taking criticism personally. Every successful person refines their methods over time. Stay focused on your objectives, and let your actions speak loudest.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Mercury encourages you to widen your horizons, learn something new, or share your knowledge enthusiastically. Chiron, however, reminds you that growth sometimes means admitting what you don’t yet know. There’s real strength in curiosity. Approach today with an open mind, and an unexpected insight could prove every bit as valuable as certainty.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

You’re usually most content when everything feels organised, yet today’s influences suggest emotional strands deserve as much attention as practical ones. Mercury and Chiron may expose an old insecurity connected to family or personal happiness. If so, acknowledge it, don’t judge it. Doing this can help you retain your usual sense of control.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Relationships will benefit from being open today, although thinker Mercury’s tense angle to shrewd Chiron suggests old family patterns or sensitivities could have a bearing. Ask yourself whether the present situation warrants a response or is better left unaddressed. You can keep a sense of detachment while remaining open to connecting without getting riled up.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Your attention can focus on your work, routines, or your wellbeing. Mercury encourages practical moves and conversations, while Chiron reminds you that the way we think about ourselves is so important in preserving our positivity. For example, if you find yourself over-analysing or feeling picky and self-critical, give yourself some latitude. No one’s perfect.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of August here.

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MORE: What does the week have in store? Your tarot horoscope reading for August 10 to August 16

MORE: Daily horoscope August 9, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

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Police are desperately searching for Angelica and Verity, who were last seen in the early hours of Sunday morning, having first gone missing earlier on Saturday

Police have issued a new update in the desperate search for two girls last seen ‘at 4am’ on Sunday morning.

Desperate efforts are underway to find 11-year-old Angelica and 12-year-old Verity, who went missing on Saturday (August 8). The duo, who are believed to be together, were last spotted ‘at 4am’ on Sunday morning (August 9) in a Midlands town, police previously said.

Both girls are from Rugby, in Warwickshire, and were said to have links to Cornwall. Late on Sunday evening, officers issued a new update in the hunt for the girls.

A Rugby Police spokesperson said: “Our officers continue to work around the clock to find Angelica and Verity who were last seen in the Newbold area of Rugby in the early hours of this morning.

“The girls, who are 11 and 12 years old, and pictured below, were reported missing from Rugby yesterday (Saturday).

“If you think you may have seen them or know where they might be, please call 999 immediately quoting incident number 123 of 8 August.

“Please continue to share our posts and thank you to those who have shared them already.”

In an initial update to the public, issued at around 10:20pm on Saturday, cops said: “Have you seen 11-year-old Angelica and 12-year-old Verity?

“The girls, who are believed to be together, were reported missing from Rugby this morning and our officers are growing increasingly concerned for their welfare.

“They have links to Rugby and Cornwall.

“Anyone who sees them or has information as to their whereabouts is asked to call 999 quoting incident number 123 of 8 August.”

Another update, released on Sunday afternoon, added the girls were spotted in Newbold, Rugby, ‘at 4am this morning’.

Need to know

Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journey, particularly if travelling to ports or airports.

Need to know: M3 Lagan Bridge maintenance to disrupt traffic

• Major maintenance work on the M3 Lagan Bridge will cause significant traffic disruption over three weekends this month.
• The project involves replacing six bridge bearings as part of the third phase of ongoing maintenance work. Previous phases in 2024 and 2025 have already seen 18 bearings replaced on the key Belfast structure.
• The closures will affect various slip roads over three specific weekends: 14-17 August, 21-24 August, and 28-31 August 2026. Both westbound and eastbound carriageways will be impacted at different times.
• Drivers will face extensive diversions through Belfast city centre via routes including Ann Street, Victoria Street, and Great Patrick Street. Those travelling from the Sydenham bypass towards West or North Belfast will be unable to exit until the M2 Junction 1 Fortwilliam Roundabout.
• Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “The M3 bridge is a key structure which carries over 90,000 vehicles and these specialist works are essential to ensure that the structure remains in a sound condition for future use.”
• The works have been scheduled for summer weekends when traffic volumes are typically lower than average. All work remains subject to favourable weather conditions.
• Detailed diversion routes and traffic information are available online at infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and trafficwatchni.com.

READ THE FULL STORY: M3 Lagan Bridge set to close for three weekends to undergo major maintenance works

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

By RICHARD MARSDEN, GENERAL REPORTER and SAMUEL HUDSON and ISAAC CROWSON and SEB TOPAN

Published: 22:07 BST, 9 August 2026 | Updated: 00:06 BST, 10 August 2026

A convicted Islamic terrorist sentenced to death for plotting to kill an Egyptian Prime Minister is running a honey and food supply business in north London.

Yasser Al-Sirri, 63, a one-time member of Egyptian Islamic Jihad, first came to Britain and claimed asylum in the 1990s following a failed assassination plot.

He was turned down but fought the decision repeatedly through the courts and appears to have won a three-decade battle to stay in Britain.

In 2021, the Appeal Court ruled in the his favour on condition he took refugee status

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The Daily Mail has now tracked Al-Sirri down to a £500,000 flat in upmarket Maida Vale, west London.

He was also present at a honey business in north west London, where he works and appears to be the boss.

It has a few employees and provides wholesale food and drink products.

Staff members initially said that Al-Sirri was not in his office when a reporter visited, despite his car being parked in the driveway.

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Convicted terrorist Yasser al-Sirri pictured outside his home in Maida Vale, North London

Block housing al-Sirri’s £500,000 flat where he now lives after long legal battle

One said: ‘For now he is not here. He has gone for some other business with someone else. Once he comes, I’ll tell you. He will call you no problem.’

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Al-Sirri was later in his office, where he claimed to be on a phone call and refused to talk.

Businesses in the area said he supplied many of the local businesses with wholesale drinks and said he was known as “Hajj” to locals.

One said: ‘We see him everyday walking down the road at around 5pm, towards the mosque. He’s got a red beard, so we always recognise him.’

Al-Sirri was a member of Egypt’s Islamic Jihad when, in 1993, the group attempted to assassinate the then Egyptian prime minister Atef Sedki using a car bomb outside a girls’ school.

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A 12-year-old girl was killed in the blast and he was sentenced to death in his absence by an Eygptian Court despite his arguments he played no part.

He also defended Osama bin Laden and the Taliban.

Following the death of 9/11 mastermind bin Laden, Al-Sirri was quoted as saying: ‘The al Qaeda leader met his God willingly but in an unplanned manner and he died an honourable death’.

Industrial building in London housing al-Sirri’s honey and wholesale food business

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In 2003 he defended Taliban propaganda videos of an American vehicle exploding. The same year, he was indicted in his absence by a Grand Jury in New York accused of conspiring to provide material support to Islamist group Al-Gama’a al-Islamiyya. The US did not pursue proceedings to have him extradited from Britain.

Al-Sirri also openly supported Egyptian-born fanatic Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, believed to be the mastermind of the earlier World Trade Centre bombing in 1993. Rahman received a life sentence in the United States for plotting a ‘war of urban terrorism’.

Former Tory MP Patrick Mercer has described him as ‘a dangerous individual.’

Al-Sirri first claimed asylum in 1994 after fleeing his home country but was turned down and has taken the issue to court more than eight times at great cost to British taxpayers.

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After a tribunal decided he was entitled to remain in the UK as a refugee in 2001, then Home Secretary Priti Patel contested the finding.

At the Appeal Court, judges ruled in the convicted terrorist’s favour despite Article 1F of the Refugee Convention excluding individuals who have committed ‘terrorist acts or other serious criminal offences’.

Al-Sirri was sentenced to death after convicted in his absence of conspiring to kill Egypt’s prime minister in 1994.

British court papers have revealed he saw ‘violent jihad’ as an ‘obligation for Muslims’.

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The Home Office declined to comment on individual cases.

The 48-year-old is accused of a raft of serious criminal offences

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Daniel Kinahan is now in custody in Ireland, after appearing before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin charged with directing an organised crime group, on his return from Dubai.

It comes after the 49-year-old boxing promoter’s arrest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in April. Kinahan is alleged to be a leader of the Kinahan organised crime group.

Mr Kinahan was flown on a £39 million government jet belonging to the Irish Air Corps from Dubai to Ireland today where he was arrested after touching down at Baldonnel Airport at around 7.20pm, reports the Mirror.

Kinahan was whisked under armed guard from both law enforcement and the Irish Defence Forces to a special Sunday hearing at the Special Criminal Court to face charges of directing an organised crime group.

He was charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 18 2015 and April 6 2017.

He appeared in the dock wearing a black hoodie and put on a pair of dark-rimmed glasses after taking his seat.

Detective Sergeant Colin Davidson told the court that he had arrested Mr Kinahan at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel at 6.49pm that day.

Mr Kinahan was remanded to next appear on October 5.

Earlier the ministers of justice for Ireland and the United Arab Emirates confirmed the extradition, after a formal request submitted by Irish authorities, and the final decision was issued after a judgment by the Dubai Court of Cassation, in accordance with the extradition treaty between the two countries.

Jim O’Callaghan and Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi said that the final extradition decision “reflects the steadfast commitment of both countries to the rule of law and reinforces international judicial co-operation”.

The plane landed at Casement aerodrome in Baldonnel on the outskirts of Dublin just after 6.30pm.

READ MORE: Man found dead in burning car in Portadown

READ MORE: Three men to face court after Apprentice Boys parade in Derry

Shortly after the plane landed, a convoy of vehicles with blacked-out windows left the aerodrome at high speed.

Two separate convoys then arrived at Dublin’s Special Criminal Court, where Mr Kinahan was due to appear, as crowds watched.

Several BMWs drove through an open gate and into the underground car park at the court, with the gate swiftly closing behind them.

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Thousands of Britons will become victims of crime as a result of Andy Burnham‘s early prison release scheme.

Sex offenders, robbers, arsonists and violent criminals will commit nearly 90,000 extra offences after being freed early, according to analysis.

Despite mounting public fury, the Prime Minister has decided to pursue the controversial Labour plans which let thousands out of jail before the end of their sentences to ease overcrowding in prisons.

But the Conservatives have found that, thanks to Mr Burnham green-lighting the scheme, there will be around 500 added sex offences, nearly 1,800 violent crimes and just under 36,000 thefts before the end of this Parliament in 2029.

The grim forecast also estimates that 1,500 crimes for possessing a weapon, more than 7,000 drug-related offences and up to 3,000 public order offences will be recorded.

This will lead to an extra 89,225 crimes in total being committed by mid-2029, the Tories found.

Tory justice spokesman Nick Timothy said: ‘Labour’s early release scheme is still set to let thousands of dangerous criminals out early, and this will mean communities seeing dangerous offenders let back on to their streets.

‘Nearly 90,000 more offences will be committed over this Parliament because of Andy Burnham’s early release scheme – it is a disaster. Conservatives are calling on Labour to finally listen to victims… and bring emergency legislation to end this mess.’

The Prime Minister paused the scheme last month after a public outcry over the possible early release of two of the killers of PC Andrew Harper, who was dragged by a car for a mile after responding to a burglary report in 2019.

And Mr Burnham is now facing mounting pressure to block more of Britain’s worst criminals from being released – after only disqualifying rapists and the most serious sex offenders from the scheme.

The Ministry of Justice admitted last month that early release ‘may have impacts’ on a recent rise in re-offending rates.

Early release was introduced by Labour as an emergency measure in September 2024, and has seen 20,000 criminals let out of jail.

The new scheme, set to take effect in October, forms part of the Sentencing Act 2026, which aims to ease overcrowding in prisons.

In the latest data published by the Government, the proven re-offending rate was 29.9 per cent, up 1.9 per cent on the year before.

A Government document admitted ‘various policy changes’ including its early release scheme ‘may have impacts upon… re-offending rates’.

But it said: ‘It is not possible to isolate the impact of individual policies on re-offending rates’.

Nick Timothy, the Tory Shadow Justice Secretary, said the prison release scheme would see ‘dangerous offenders’ allowed back on the streets

Mr Burnham – who jetted off on holiday within weeks of taking the keys to No 10 – has been forced to review whether to block all criminals charged with the death of emergency workers from early release to ensure PC Andrew Harper’s killers remain behind bars.

A petition to keep them in jail to serve their full sentences had 861,000 signatures on Sunday night.

Brian Booth, the deputy national chairman of the Police Federation, said Mr Burnham was ‘being watched’ by the wider public on ‘how he deals with this incident’.

While the PM may block the release of PC Harper’s killers, a source from the probation officers’ union Napo told The Sun that ‘more people, largely women, will be killed or harmed’ thanks to the scheme.

It comes as the Daily Mail revealed last week that 9,300 domestic abusers as well as 363 offenders convicted of manslaughter are set to be released early from prison before the end of this Parliament.

Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf will announce plans on Monday to halt early release for those jailed for murder and serious violent crimes and will vow to deport foreign criminals.

He said: ‘Andy Burnham is about to release killers from jail early, including the men who killed PC Harper. The Tories released thousands of prisoners early, including murderers and rapists.

‘It was the Tories that created the prison capacity crisis, importing 6million net new people through immigration and building just 455 net new prison places to cope.

‘Reform will deport all 10,000 foreign nationals from our prisons, sending them to serve their sentences in countries like El Salvador. We will use the space created to ensure serious criminals stay where they belong: behind bars.’

Under Labour’s new plans, criminals who faced serving two-thirds of their sentence before being considered for release can now be let out after only half their term.

Reform UK’s justice spokesman Zia Yusuf will announce plans on Monday to stop early release for those convicted of murder and serious violent crimes

Less serious offenders will be released after serving just a third of their sentence instead of half.

The figures revealing nearly 90,000 extra offences will be committed were gathered using Ministry of Justice data detailing how many criminals committing specific crimes are now up for early release under the scheme.

The crimes include sexual, public order, motoring and drug-related offences, theft, robbery, fraud, violence, criminal damage and arson, possession of weapons, fraud and other crimes against society.

It was then calculated how much time each criminal will now spend in communities and not in jail, combined with their likelihood of re-offending.

This gives an estimate of the number of additional re-offences that will be committed during this Parliament thanks to the Government continuing the early release scheme.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: ‘This is highly speculative and an inaccurate method of calculating the impact of sentencing reforms. Without them, we risk prisons reaching capacity and collapsing.

‘If that happened, police could not make arrests, courts could not remand offenders and there would be unchecked criminality on our streets.

‘The Sentencing Act is restoring order to a prison system left on the brink of collapse, while our record £700million investment in probation and community punishment ensures staff have the resources… needed to manage offenders safely in the community.’

Drivers on the dual carriageway were told to flee their vehicles ‘if you want to stay alive’. Traffic came to a halt juts before 5.30pm when the van went up in flames, with drivers ordered to get out of their cars by police.

A policewoman told drivers to get out of their cars and move to the central reservation ‘if you want to stay alive’. People have left their vehicles on the road with no time frame of when they can be collected.