Man considered dangerous found after absconding from Christchurch mental health facility

Friday 1 August 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Fri 1 Aug 2025, 11:03am

In this story Health New Zealand, Canterbury Police

Kieran Thomas, 35, was located in Strowan after escaping from a Hillmorton mental health facility on Thursday evening. Police were notified of his disappearance around 6pm and located him approximately four hours later. Health Minister Matt Doocey has emphasised the importance of patient and public safety following the incident.

How they headlined it

4h

7:25am11:03am

1. The PressFri 1 Aug 2025, 7:25am

   ‘Dangerous’ man at large in Christchurch for four hours (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesFri 1 Aug 2025, 7:28am

   Man considered dangerous understood to have escaped from Canterbury hospital (opens in new tab)

3. RNZFri 1 Aug 2025, 11:03am

   Man considered dangerous had escaped from Hillmorton Hospital (opens in new tab)