Urgent hunt for killer who’s fled mental health facility

Philip Theophilou, 54, has evaded a mental health facility and is now on the run (Picture: PA)

A man who stabbed his neighbour to death with a kitchen knife has escaped from a mental health facility in east London.

Philip Theophilou left the facility in Homerton on Sunday and has not come back, sparking a police appeal.

The Metropolitan Police is now on the hunt for the killer and warned he could be a ‘risk’ as he does not have access to his medication.

The now-54-year-old stabbed his neighbour to death two decades ago, in April 2004.

Undated handout photo of Theophilou issued by Metropolitan Police (Picture: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)

He waited outside Simon Breed’s home in Alexandra Park before knifing him in the chest six times.

Theophilou then hid in Hyde Park, living rough for three days before being caught by police.

The Old Bailey heard in 2005 that he then ran to the park from his home, leaving his victim dying outside his house.

Theophilou admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was sent to Broadmoor special hospital without limit of time under the Mental Health Act, in November 2005.

He was last seen wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans, black jacket and black jumper (as shown in picture) (Picture: PA)

The killing came a year after the criminal had caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to Mr Breed’s house and car with a meat cleaver.

Police believe he travelled to the Green Park area on Sunday at about 11.25am.

Theophilou was last pictured wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans, and a black jacket.

The Met Police said: ‘Officers and medical professionals are concerned at his lack of access to medication and the risk he may pose without it.

‘Anyone who sees Philip should not approach him.’

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