Police were last night hunting for a patient who disappeared from hospital.

Kathleen Langton, 39, left South Tyneside Hospital just after 1pm yesterday. She was last seen in nearby Harton Lane, South Shields.

Officers said she is on medication that makes her drowsy. They are worried for her safety because she is not from the North-East and does not know the area well.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0191-454 7555, ext. 65126.