Lost and found: The escorted arsonist who absconded

Police have called off an appeal for assistance to trace a man on remand who had absconded while on escorted leave to Bexleyheath.

Joseph Cachia, 43, was last seen in a coffee shop in Bexleyheath Town Centre on Saturday. He is currently at a secure medical facility as a result of a conviction for arson.

But the request for help had barely been issued before Cachia was found and returned to the medical facility. 

Police have not disclosed details about how or where he was found, or the exact length of time for which he was missing.

A Met spokesman said: “We thank media for their assistance in publicising this appeal.”

Pictured top: Bexleyheath town centre (Picture: The Met)