A high-risk patient who absconded from a mental health facility in Brent has been located by police and taken into custody, following an intensive 36-hour search across parts of north west and central London.
Vasile Coceban, 36, who was reported missing from the Park Royal Centre in Acton Lane at approximately 10.30am on Wednesday, was found on Thursday evening. Officers confirmed he had been safely detained and is now in custody.
The Metropolitan Police launched an urgent public appeal on Thursday morning after Coceban, described as posing a potential risk to the public, vanished from the secure mental health facility. CCTV images released by the force showed him wearing a distinctive purple camouflage hooded top, grey tracksuit bottoms and light-coloured trainers.
During the search, officers pieced together Coceban’s movements, revealing that he had purchased a large rucksack and changed his clothes shortly after leaving the facility. He was last seen on Wednesday afternoon, around 4.20pm, in a shop on Kilburn High Road. At the time, he was wearing a grey tracksuit top and a red T-shirt, and carrying the black bag believed to have been bought earlier.
Initially, detectives believed he remained somewhere within the north west London area, particularly within Brent. However, as enquiries progressed, it emerged that Coceban had used the rail network to travel into central London, visiting Hyde Park in Westminster, before returning to the Brent area. Officers suspect he may have spent time sleeping rough in parks and public spaces.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said on Thursday night: “Earlier this evening we appealed for help to find Vasile Coceban who had absconded from a mental health facility in Brent. He has now been located by officers and is in custody. We would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.”
Mr Coceban is described as white, 5 ft 4 inches tall, of average build, with brown hair. Although the police have not detailed the nature of the risk he posed, mental health absconders classed as ‘high-risk’ are typically considered to pose a threat to themselves or others if not located promptly.
Authorities have not released specific information on how Coceban managed to leave the Park Royal Centre, but internal reviews into security procedures are likely to follow as part of standard protocol in such incidents.
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The Park Royal Centre, a part of the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, provides a range of mental health services including inpatient treatment for individuals with acute psychiatric needs. The facility is expected to work closely with police to determine how the escape occurred and what preventative measures can be put in place to avoid a recurrence.
Local residents in Brent expressed concern after the police appeal went live, with some questioning the security at mental health facilities and whether there is enough support to prevent patients from absconding.
Mental health campaigners, while acknowledging public safety concerns, have urged the public not to stigmatise patients. A spokesperson for the charity Mind said: “It’s important to remember that people with mental health difficulties are far more likely to be vulnerable than dangerous. We must ensure services have the resources and support they need to safely care for individuals and respond effectively when incidents occur.”
As of Friday morning, Coceban remains in police custody and is expected to be returned to the care of mental health professionals. Investigations are ongoing into his movements while missing, and whether he had any assistance or contact with others during the time he was at large.
