Shower attacker escapes custody

Ms McCarten ran off on Wednesday

A woman being held in a psychiatric unit after slashing a former friend in a Psycho-style shower attack has escaped on a visit to the dentist.

Carrie McCarten, 21, formerly of Whitefield Way, Anfield, was being escorted to the appointment in Bury on Wednesday when she ran off.

Staff at the hospital are concerned as she is not thought to have had cash or a mobile phone with her.

Police believe that without treatment she may become violent to others.

As she has links to north Liverpool officers believe she may head back to the city.

Police appeal

Officers are keen to trace her so she can be returned to hospital, where she is receiving important psychiatric care.

Ms McCarten was sent to the hospital last July after admitting breaking into Paige Affelat's home and slashing her while she showered.

Ms Affellat, whom she thought was seeing her ex-boyfriend, was left needing 100 stitches.

At the time Liverpool Crown Court heard the attack was similar to the famous scene in Alfred Hitchcock's classic film.

Ms McCarten is described as white, 5ft 8in tall and of a petite build. She has straight, brown hair, which has been recently cut above shoulder length, and hazel eyes.

She was last seen wearing blue denim shorts and a navy blue and white striped T-shirt with black sandals.

Anyone who knows of her whereabouts is asked not to approach her but to contact police.