Police hunt for escaped schizophrenic

POLICE are becoming increasingly concerned after a man diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia absconded from a secure mental-health ward.

Darren Egerton (43), who is a patient at Tameside General Hospital, Ashton, got out of the hospital grounds at about 2.20pm on Wednesday.

Although he had taken his medication recently, he did not have further doses with him.

Darren has links to Oldham, specifically the town centre area and Oldham Edge, as well as Ashton town centre.

Police said he likes to walk everywhere, and might go to Stamford Park on the Ashton-Stalybridge border, or to a train station.

He is described as 6ft 2in, slim, with greying hair and stubble, and square, metal-framed glasses.

When he was last seen, he was wearing a brown canvas zip-up jacket, a grey jumper, a grey T-shirt and light blue denim jeans.

Supt John Berry said: “We are worried that Darren has been out all night. We 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.

“He is not dressed for this weather, and as we have had no information about him seeking shelter for the night he is likely to be very cold and wet.

“If you see Darren then please call police straight away. Because of his illness he could react to being approached, so just call us if you see him.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on 0161-872 5050 or the Crimestoppers charity (anonymously) on 0800-555 111.