Johnny Brady: Police hunt as serial arsonist flees hospital unit

Johnny Brady left the grounds of St Andrew's Healthcare facility in Northampton at about 15:30 GMT on Saturday

A serial arsonist has absconded from a mental health unit in Northampton, sparking a county-wide police hunt.

Johnny Brady was given a hospital order for a string of devastating attacks on schools and churches in Derbyshire and a previous serious assault.

The 19-year-old went missing from St Andrew's Healthcare facility at about 15:30 GMT on Saturday.

People have been warned not to approach Brady but to call 999 "as a matter of urgency" if they see him.

Det Supt Richard Tompkins, of Northamptonshire Police, 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."

He said the force was investigating three incidents of bags of rubbish being set alight overnight within a couple of miles of the hospital grounds, "which may be linked to Johnny".

Brady was given a hospital order in September after a court heard he caused millions of pounds worth of damage to schools and churches between October and December 2020.

During the hearing the court was told Brady suffers from "severe and enduring" autism, though a psychiatrist said he believed his condition could be treated in a secure environment with a view to him being re-integrated into society.

A second offender who also absconded from the unit on Saturday has since been found. His disappearance was said not to be linked to Brady's escape.