Over 1,700 prisoners in England and Wales have been released early as part of an overcrowding relief scheme, raising public safety concerns.

Some victims were not informed of these releases, according to victims' commissioner Baroness Newlove.

The scheme excludes violent offenders, sex offenders, and domestic abusers.

However, the Napo probation union warned that other offenders, including some previously convicted of serious crimes, were released.

The Ministry of Justice clarified that eligibility was based on the current offence, not past crimes.

Nicole Jacobs, domestic abuse commissioner, called for all known abusers to be exempt from early release.

The scheme, announced in July, reduces the required sentence for early release from 50% to 40% for sentences under five years.

Released offenders will be on licence, adhering to curfews, tagging, and probation supervision.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated this measure was needed to prevent 'a total breakdown of law and order,' with further plans to expand prison capacity.

Public safety remains a critical concern, with the probation union and other officials highlighting potential risks.