Police are appealing for help to trace a 25-year-old man who has absconded from the Littlemore Hospital in Oxford.

Saju Miah went missing from the hospital at around 4pm yesterday.

He is Asian, about 5ft 7in tall, small build, with short black hair and stubble on his chin. He was wearing black tracksuit bottoms, a black tracksuit jacket, white trainers and a black baseball cap.

Supt Rob Angell, leading the operation, said: “We are currently doing everything we can to try and locate Mr Miah.

“His behaviour can be unpredictable and violent. I advise anyone who might have seen him, or know where he is, not to approach him, but to contact the police as soon as possible on 999.

“Alternatively, if you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Det Chief Insp Colin Paine said: “We are continuing our search and have launched an extensive search to locate Miah.

“We have a team of over 30 officers, including detectives, neighbourhood officers, search advisers and community specialists, scouring the area for Miah and we will not stop until we find him.

“I would like to reassure the community that we will leave no stone unturned in this search.

“It is possible that Miah might try to return to Bangladesh. We have informed the local travel networks and we are looking to trace possible routes that he might have taken since leaving the hospital, liaising closely with his family.

“His behaviour can be unpredictable and violent and he could pose a threat to the public."