Police launch search for woman who escaped a secure hospital facility
The woman has connections with Herefordshire and admitted to manslaughter in 2021
Last updated 12th Aug 2023
Police are searching for 43-year-old Laura Van Marle, after she escaped a secure hospital facility in Wellington, Somerset.
She has links to Herefordshire and there is a chance she could have walked to the county.
Laura Van Marle was originally charged the with the murder of her mother in Cradley but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
She was then detained in Wellington.
Yesterday (11th August), Laura Van Marle used a weapon to threaten hospital staff and ran away from the facility.
The Police and specialist emergency services have been carrying out searches in the Wellington area.
Officers say she is white, 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.
Laura was on foot and is known to walk long distances, so may have left the Wellington area and may also be travelling on public transport.
Laura is considered to be in mental health crisis and may pose a risk to herself or others.
Members of the public are urged not to approach Laura, but to call 999 straight away quoting reference 5223194035. Please call 101 with any other information, giving the same reference.