A man serving time in a Suffolk prison had a “valid reason” for not returning when he was supposed to following a period of home leave, police have said.

Hollesley Bay prisoner Webster Mwenso, 34, was released on temporary licence to go to an address in Dartford, Kent yesterday and was due to return by 3pm today.

The 34-year-old was reported missing to police after he failed come back to the prison on time.

Mwenso was found tonight in London following an appeal by Suffolk Constabulary.

A spokesman for the force said: “He has now been located in London after making contact with the prison and is understood to have a valid reason for not returning at the designated time.”

Mwenso is serving a six-year and two month sentence for importing controlled Class B drugs.