Police Locate High-Risk Patient Missing from Mental Health Facility in West London

On Wednesday, April 17, 2025, police successfully located Vasile Coceban, a 36-year-old man who had absconded from the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in Acton Lane, Brent, west London. Coceban was reported missing at 10:32 a.m. by staff at the facility and was considered a high-risk individual posing potential danger to the public.

Following his disappearance, authorities issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in locating him. Investigations revealed that since absconding, Coceban had traveled to Hyde Park in Westminster and back to north west London, likely using the train network. It was believed he had been sleeping rough during this period.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Coceban has now been found, bringing an end to the search operation. The incident highlights the challenges faced in managing high-risk patients within mental health services and the importance of coordinated efforts between healthcare providers and law enforcement to ensure public safety and patient care.

The Park Royal Centre for Mental Health and the Metropolitan Police continue to work together to monitor such cases closely, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future and to provide appropriate support for vulnerable individuals.