A MENTAL health patient who is deemed a risk to the public escaped after being allowed into a shop unescorted.

Darren Egerton was a patient in a secure mental health unit at Tameside General Hospital. But it is understood he managed to escape when he was given permission to enter a shop during an escorted visit outside of the ward on Wednesday afternoon.

The 43-year-old is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and has a previous conviction for indecent assault.

Police have warned the public to avoid approaching him.

Officers believe that the patient may head towards Oldham or Ashton town centres. He also has links to Stamford Park in Ashton or may head to a nearby train station.

Pennine Care, which runs the ward, refused to comment about the circumstances of the escape.

A spokeswoman said: "This matter is currently under investigation with the Greater Manchester Police, and we are working together to ensure the client's safe return. At this stage the Trust cannot disclose any further information."

The patient is described as slim, 6ft 2ins, with greying hair and stubble. He was last wearing square, metal-framed glasses, brown zip-up jacket, a grey jumper and t-shirt and light blue denim jeans.

Supt John Berry, from Ashton police station, said: "We are worried that Darren has been out all night, and just want to find him so we can return him to the hospital to get the help he needs.

"I want to appeal directly to Darren to contact us if he hears or sees this appeal. We just want to help you Darren, you don't need to be afraid.

"Darren's illness is quite severe, and he is likely to feel scared and vulnerable. If you see him then please call police straight away, because of his illness he could react to being approached, so just call us if you see him." Tweet