POLICE are appealing for information to trace a missing patient from a Sunderland hospital.

Richard O'Sullivan left Hopewood Park, in Ryhope, on a period of leave on Wednesday, December 3. The 43-year-old has however failed to return.

"Police and hospital staff are growing increasingly concerned for Richard's whereabouts as he is due to take prescribed medication. They are appealing for the public's help to trace him," said a spokesman for Northumbria Police.

"Richard is described as 5ft 7ins tall, of medium to large build, with brown and grey hair.

"When last seen, he was wearing a black sheepskin coat and a pair of blue jeans."

Richard is from the Hetton-le-Hole area and is also known to frequent Darlington. Officers are carrying out checks in these areas to return him to safety.

Anyone who thinks they have spotted Richard are asked to contact police immediately and not approach him. Anyone with information to help locate him should also contact police.

People can contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 1003 03/12/14.