Mentally ill man goes missing

Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of a mentally ill man who is missing from a care home.

Christopher Fowler, 38, was last seen when he visited a garden centre in North Benfleet, Essex, on 29 July.

He is a patient at a nearby care home and was at the garden centre as part of an organised day out.

On Monday police said Mr Fowler could be a danger to the public and should not be approached if seen.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said Mr Fowler could be heading for Kent, Devon or Scotland.

Distinctive appearance

She said his parents lived in Bromley, Kent, and he was known to have a friend in Totnes, Devon.

He had also expressed a wish to visit Scotland.

Police described him as white, 6 ft tall, of dishevelled appearance and with brown, medium-length hair.

When last seen, he was wearing faded denim jeans, a blue baseball jacket with yellow writing and a bandana.

"We need to find Mr Fowler as soon as possible," said the spokeswoman on Monday.

"He is of very distinctive appearance. He has a mental illness and could be dangerous.

"He should not be approached by any member of the public. Anyone who thinks they have seen him should contact police immediately."