Thrissur: A man who escaped from a mental health centre in Thrissur has stabbed and injured three people.

The suspect, identified as Suraj, a native of Nepal, allegedly attacked a hostel owner and two passers-by in separate incidents across the city in the early hours of the morning.

According to reports, at around 1.30am on Saturday morning, police from Aluva brought the man to the Mental Health Centre in Thrissur. Shortly after his arrival, he is said to have escaped through a pathway near a toilet at approximately 2am.

While on the run, he first stabbed Murali, 66, who runs a hostel in Kammath Lane, Thrissur. He then reportedly attacked two other individuals who were walking along the road in the West Fort area.

All three victims were admitted to private hospitals for treatment. Their current condition has not been disclosed.

Police later apprehended the suspect and returned him to the mental health centre. An investigation into the incident is under way.