Escaped arsonist ‘may be linked’ to three separate fires in 24 hours
A 19-year-old convicted arsonist may be linked to three separate fires since he ran away from a mental health hospital on New Year’s Eve, Northamptonshire Police said.
Johnny Brady fled the grounds of St Andrew’s Healthcare facility in Billing Road, Northampton at about 3.30pm on Saturday.
He was serving a hospital order following convictions relating to serious assault and arson offences, the force said.
Police have now reissued their urgent appeal for help to locate the patient, who is white, about 5ft 9ins and of a slim build.
Northamptonshire Police urged members of the public not to approach Brady but to call 999 if they spot him.
He was last seen wearing black Adidas tracksuit bottoms, a black hoodie and black coloured trainers.
There have been no confirmed sightings of Brady since he left the hospital and immediate area.
Detective Superintendent Richard Tompkins said: “We have officers who are actively looking for Johnny, however, he has now been missing for almost 24-hours, and with no confirmed sightings, we are becoming increasingly concerned.
“Johnny is serving a hospital order for convictions relating to arson and serious assault, which is why it is very important that the public do not approach him under any circumstances but should call 999 immediately.
“We are investigating three separate incidents of arson to bags of rubbish, which occurred overnight, in areas within a couple of miles of the hospital grounds which may be linked to Johnny.
“Arson has potentially fatal consequences and we therefore ask the public to be extra vigilant within their local communities.
“If you see anyone acting suspiciously near property or deliberately setting fire to items such as bins, please call us immediately on 999.”
Anyone who has seen Brady or knows of his whereabouts is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 999, quoting incident number 275 of 31/12/22.
Officers said that a second man who fled from the St Andrew’s facility on Saturday was located by officers overnight and returned to the secure accommodation.
