'High risk' man who poses threat to public on loose as Met Police launch manhunt

Police have located a “high-risk” man who absconded from a mental health facility and was believed to pose a risk to the public.

Metropolitan Police officers have launched a manhunt for Vasile Coceban after he was reported missing by staff at the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health. Vasile left the facility in Acton Lane, Brent, on Wednesday at around 10.32am, and has been spotted in London on CCTV, and investigators believe he has travelled back and forth through the capital, going as far as Hyde Park in Westminster. Detectives earlier suggested he may have been sleeping rough, and stressed the importance of returning him to mental health care before he was found earlier today.

In a statement issued earlier today, Met Police Detective Superintendent Andrew Brien, from the North West Command Unit, said Vasile is the subject of a "high risk missing person investigation" launched by police after investigators "learned of the risk posed" by the man.

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He said it was important he is returned to the facility from which he went missing, and launched an appeal for public assistance, asking people living in the Kilburn area to check their sheds and gardens.

The detective said: "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."

Vasile is believed to have bought new clothing and a large black rucksack since he went missing, and was last seen on CCTV in a shop on Kilburn High road on Wednesday at around 4.20pm. He was wearing a grey tracksuit top and red t-shirt at the time, with his new rucksack on top.

He was previously seen in two images released by police wearing a purple camouflage hoodie and grey tracksuit bottoms with a pair of light-coloured trainers. He is described by police as white, 5ft 4 inches tall, of average build with brown hair.