Warning over psychiatric patient

Missing psychiatric patient John Hill may be dangerous

Detectives in Lancashire have issued an alert that a patient on the run from a psychiatric hospital may now be in the Edinburgh area.

Police warn that John Hill, 32, may be dangerous and should not be approached.

Detective Inspector Pete Broome said the man had now been without his routine care for more than a week.

The officer, from Blackburn Police, added there was concern that Mr Hill's behaviour might become increasingly unpredictable.

"It is clear that Mr Hill has now been without the care he needs for over a week," he said.

"This must be affecting his inability to cope with every day situations and the longer he is away from treatment, the more his mental health will deteriorate."

If you see him, do not approach him under any circumstances Det Insp Pete Broome Blackburn Police

Mr Broome added: "We do not wish to alarm the public, but we need to make them aware of and alert them to potential dangers.

"We are, of course, extremely concerned that Mr Hill's behaviour may become increasingly unpredictable as time goes by.

"If you see him, contact the nearest police station as soon as possible and do not approach him under any circumstances."

It is thought the patient escaped after forcing open his bedroom window at the low secure hospital near Clitheroe on Wednesday evening.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said police have received information suggesting he is now in the capital.

Mr Hill is of slim build, 6ft 2in tall, with short dark brown hair and is clean shaven. He is believed to be wearing a dark T-shirt, blue jeans and dark training shoes.