Convicted murderer Richard Bracken in custody after going missing

A convicted murderer who went missing from a psychiatric hospital has been found.

Richard Bracken, 48, failed to return to Bryn y Neuadd hospital in Llanfairfechan, North Wales, on Monday lunchtime while he was allowed in the village on a hour's unescorted leave.

North Wales Police first issued a missing appeal on Monday evening but did not at first mention that Bracken was a convicted murderer or that he could pose a risk to the public.

Bracken, formerly known as Richard Dennick, was jailed for life for the brutal murder of a vicar in Llanberis in 1982.

The then 15-year-old attacked Canon Alan Jones, 64, in his rectory with a billiard cue, an ornament and a knife.

He is said to have later escaped from Lewes Prison in Sussex in 1989 and stayed on the run for six months.

In a statement, North Wales Police said: "Richard Bracken reported missing from Bryn y Neuadd hospital in Llanfairfechan, Conwy, on Monday September 21 has been located this afternoon (Tuesday) and is currently in police custody.

"Following an extensive multi-agency operation and a nationwide appeal Mr Bracken, 48, who hadn't been seen since lunchtime on Monday was located in London."

Police issued a fresh appeal today when they stated that Bracken was a convicted murderer and could pose a potential risk to himself and others without access to medication and healthcare support.