Convicted killer Peter Atkins goes missing from psychiatric hospital
Peter Atkins, 66, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order in 2001 after killing his pregnant daughter's husband.
Monday 5 August 2019 11:04, UK
Police are searching for a convicted killer who failed to return to his psychiatric hospital after being allowed out to visit a local supermarket.
Peter Atkins, 66, failed to return after being allowed out of Kneesworth House Hospital in Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire, on Thursday so he could visit a Tesco supermarket in his authorised free time.
Atkins, who has paranoid schizophrenia, was convicted of manslaughter after killing his pregnant daughter's husband in 2001, and was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order under the Mental Health Act.
A judge at the time called the attack "mind-chilling".
Police are worried for Atkins because he is on twice-daily medication for his condition, and could become aggressive and irritable without his treatment.
Detective Inspector Dave Savill said: "For Peter to not return from free time is out of character.
"We know he was seen withdrawing cash at Royston Tesco at 2.10pm and then travelled to Royston town centre by bus, getting off outside Morrisons supermarket in Baldock Street.
"It is very important for anyone who believes they may have seen Peter to contact us as a matter of urgency."
Police have described Atkins as a "white man of stocky build", with "short grey hair" and was last seen wearing black trainers, dark blue jeans and a white t-shirt.
It is thought that Atkins may have used the train to leave Royston, and police fear he could be "anywhere in the country".
Police believe he has links to south Wales.
The public are warned not to approach Atkins due to his "unpredictable nature".