POLICE this afternoon appealed for help to trace a 39-year-old man who has gone missing from the Warneford Hospital, Oxford.

Simon Christopher Reid was last seen at 4.45pm last Wednesday at the hospital, where he is an informal patient.

Paul Garbett, missing persons co-ordinator for Oxford, said: "Simon left the hospital without telling staff where he was going and without his medication. We are concerned for his welfare and urgently need the public's help in tracing him.

"Simon is from Cowley and we are confident he is still in the Oxford area. Anyone who sees Simon should not approach him, but contact the police immediately."

Mr Reid is black, 5ft 8in tall, stocky, with short curly hair and stubble.

Mr Garbett can be contacted at Cowley police station, via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, if you don't want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.