According to authorities, a lady who was being held in a secure hospital under an indefinite hospital order after confessing to manslaughter in 2021 has vanished.
Police are looking for Laura Van Marle, 43, who escaped on foot from the Wellington, Somerset, facility on Friday, according to Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
She was on escorted leave when she allegedly threatened a hospital employee with a weapon at around 5.10 o’clock in the evening, according to police.
No harm came to the employee.
A police statement said: “Laura is white and about 5ft 7ins tall and slim with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a white vest top, grey denim shorts and black trainers, but may have changed her clothes.
“Officers supported by the National Police Air Service helicopter and specialist units including a dog and handler have been carrying out searches in the Wellington area.
“This is a fast-paced operation and detectives are following up all lines of enquiry.
“Laura was on foot and is known to walk long distances, so may have left the Wellington area. She may also be travelling on public transport and has links to Herefordshire.
“Laura is considered to be in mental health crisis and may pose a risk to herself or others.”
Van Marle was accused of killing her mother in 2021, although she ultimately admitted manslaughter on the defence of diminished culpability.
Since 2010, she is alleged to have experienced serious mental health problems, which her doctors diagnosed as schizophrenia.
The public is urged to phone 999 and quote 5223194035 rather than approaching van Marle.
Call 101 and provide the same reference number when reporting any additional information to the police.
