A DANGEROUS killer who went on the run in Wellington has been recaptured by police after sightings were reported by the public.

Police put out an appeal for help on Friday evening (August 11) after Laura Van Marle absconded during ‘escorted leave’ from a mental health hospital in Chelston.

Forty-three-year-old Van Marle was being held in the hospital under a court order after admitting stabbing her mother to death with a kitchen knife.

During a visit into Wellington town centre at about 5.10 pm on Friday, Van Marle threatened her escort with ‘a weapon’ and made off on foot.

Police warned the public Van Marle could be dangerous and said not to approach her but immediately call 999 if anybody saw her.

A statement at the time said: “Laura is considered to be in mental health crisis and may pose a risk to herself or others.”

Tracker dogs and a helicopter were used in the manhunt and Van Marle was eventually detained by police officers on Saturday (August 12).

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm that Laura Van Marle has been located following an earlier public appeal to find her.

“We would like to thank everybody who contacted us with information or shared our appeal.”

Van Marle was being detained under an indefinite hospital order after killing her mother in Hertfordshire in 2020.

She admitted manslaughter and the court made and order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, with a Section 41 restriction order.