POLICE are warning the public to be vigilant after a patient went missing from a psychiatric hospital.
John Evans, 29, who police say can be dangerous, was being treated at Northgate Hospital in Morpeth, Northumberland.
Mr Evans left the unit shortly before 10pm last night to pop out for a cigarette but has not returned, Northumbria Police said.
There was a possible sighting of Mr Evans at the Plough Pub in Mitford around 11pm but nothing has been reported since.
Mr Evans is 6ft 4ins tall, of thin build. He has short fair hair and when he went missing he was wearing a black Nike anorak and jeans.
A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "He is a keen runner and may have covered some distance since he went missing.
"The public are asked to contact police immediately if they see Mr Evans, but are urged not to approach him as he has the potential to be violent in certain circumstances.
"Anyone who has seen Mr Evans or has any information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police immediately on 999."
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