An inquiry has been launched after Kamran Jafar, from Pakistan, was freed from high-security Maghaberry prison in Co Antrim, before a UK Border Agency holding warrant could be issued.

He was sent to the jail on Wednesday by Newry Crown Court on two road traffic charges involving the non-payment of fines but was released after the money was paid.

A Justice Department statement said: "Prison Service staff only became aware on Thursday of a United Kingdom Border Agency holding warrant for Mr Jafar.

"The PSNI have indicated that Mr Jafar is not of interest to them."

In 2010 three Northern Ireland prisoners were released by mistake in two months.