Police are continuing to hunt for a teenage arsonist who went missing from a mental health hospital on New Year’s Eve.
The public have been warned not to approach Johnny Brady “under any circumstances” after he absconded from St Andrew’s Healthcare facility in Northampton on Saturday afternoon.
Brady, 19, was serving a hospital order following convictions relating to serious assault and arson offences.
There have been no confirmed sightings of him since he ran away, but Northamptonshire Police say he may be linked to three separate fires which occurred overnight near the hospital grounds after he went missing.
The force have issued a recent photo of the 19-year-old on Twitter and asked for retweets in a bid to help find him.
Detective Superintendent Richard Tompkins said police “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,” he said.
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“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 starting fires to items such as bins, please call us immediately on 999.”
It comes after 43-year-old convicted sex offender Nicholas Courtney also fled from the hospital, though his disappearance is not thought to have been related to Brady’s.
He was located and returned to the facility earlier on Sunday.
A police spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to confirm that missing patient Nicholas Courtney has been located safe and returned to St Andrew’s Healthcare facility in Northampton.
“Thank you for sharing our appeal, your support is appreciated as always.”
