Escaped Niuvanniemi patient believed to be in Helsinki region

A man who escaped from Niuvanniemi forensic psychiatric hospital in Kuopio last week is believed to be in Finland’s capital region, Yle reported, citing the investigation’s lead, Tuomas Lindholm of Helsinki Police.

The investigation has been transferred from Eastern Finland Police to Helsinki Police. Officers are continuing to search actively for the man.

Police are continually assessing the man’s dangerousness, Lindholm said. Based on that assessment, they will consider whether to publish his name and photograph. Iltalehti also reported the development.

Eastern Finland Police previously assessed that the man did not pose a danger to bystanders. Police have nevertheless warned people not to approach him. Any sightings should be reported to the emergency response centre.

The 21-year-old escaped from Niuvanniemi hospital on Thursday evening while out exercising.