Priti Patel has warned dangerous and violent criminals are likely to be among 1,100 inmates let out early on Tuesday to free up cells.

The ex-home secretary called on the government to immediately suspend the scheme that allows offenders to serve just 40% of their sentence.

Prisoners who have been sentenced to five years or more are in the latest wave released earlier than planned.

Ms Patel has written to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood raising concerns following the failure to publish the reoffending rates and prison recalls after the 1,700 were released last month.

She said: “With thousands of prisoners being released early, including those responsible for serious violent crimes, it’s shocking that the Government has failed to provide any assessment of the impact on public safety by those already released.

“Over the last few weeks since the early release scheme began, we know there have been criminals released who have committed further crimes and victims are feeling frightened and let down.

“Until the Government has been clear about the impact and put enhanced measures in to protect the public, they should suspend their plans to let thousands more offenders out onto our streets.”

Ms Mahmood announced plans in July to cut temporarily the proportion of sentences inmates must serve behind bars from 50% to 40% after overcrowding had pushed jails to the “point of collapse”.

The prison population of England and Wales hit a record high of 88,521 on September 6 this year, just days ahead of the first wave of releases.

A week later, on September 13, it had fallen sharply to 86,333 but the figure has since risen and stood at 87,028 on October 18.

The Justice Secretary announced a sentencing review that will consider options to hand offenders tougher punishments outside of prison as part of efforts to ease overcrowding.

It will be carried out by David Gauke, a former Tory who held the job, and will look at systems that are used overseas, such as in Texas, where authorities have used good behaviour credits.

Nudge watches or apps could be used to encourage compliance with conditions imposed on offenders by asking questions such as whether an offender has been in touch with their probation officer or attended a mental health appointment.

Mr Gauke said: “Clearly, our prisons are not working. The prison population is increasing by around 4,500 every year, and nearly 90% of those sentenced to custody are re-offenders.

“This review will explore what punishment and rehabilitation should look like in the 21st century, and how we can move our justice system out of crisis and towards a long-term, sustainable future.”