Urgent hunt for man, 36, who ‘poses risk to public’ after escaping from hospital as public urged ‘do not approach him’
POLICE have called off their search for a man who escaped from a mental health hospital.
Vasile Coceban, 36, absconded the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in Acton Lane, Brent, London, at 10.32am yesterday.
The Metropolitan Police warned the public not to approach him.
Officers located Vasile this evening and he remains in custody.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Brien, from the North West Command Unit, said earlier: “A high risk missing person investigation was quickly launched when we learned of the risk posed by Vasile. It is important we return him to the facility where he is being treated.
“Extensive patrols have been conducted in the area where he is believed to be, but we are now appealing for the public’s help.
“It is possible that Vasile is sleeping rough or camping in the Kilburn area or nearby. Please check any sheds or gardens and keep your eyes peeled if walking in parks and open spaces.
“Your information could be key to helping us find Vasile and keeping the public safe.”
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Officers are urgently appealing for the public’s help to locate a man who has absconded from a mental health facility and is believed to pose a risk to the public.
“Vasile Coceban, who is 36, was reported missing by staff at the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in Acton Lane, Brent at 10:32hrs on Wednesday.
“He is described as white, 5 ft 4 inches tall, of average build with brown hair.
“Officers have released still images showing Vasile on the morning he went missing. He can be seen wearing a purple camouflage hooded top, grey tracksuit bottoms and light-coloured trainers.
“Enquiries suggest that he has since bought a large black rucksack and new clothing.
“Later on Wednesday, at around 16:20hrs, he was seen on CCTV in a shop in Kilburn High Road wearing a grey tracksuit top and a red t-shirt, carrying the black rucksack he had bought earlier.
“While officers believe it is likely he is still in north west London, in particular Brent, enquiries suggest that since he went missing he has travelled to Hyde Park in Westminster and back again, likely using the train network.”