POLICE are growing increasingly concerned for a man with mental health problems who went missing from home on Christmas Day.

Michael West, 19, lives at the Pine Unit, a mental health unit, in Middleton St George, near Darlington, but was allowed to visit his mother, in Peterlee, for Christmas.

However, he went missing from her home at 12.45pm on Christmas Day.

He called her at 9pm from a telephone box in the Hartlepool area, and was seen by a friend, in Peterlee, on Boxing Day.

But his relatives in the Hartlepool and Peterlee areas have not heard from him since.

A police spokesman said: "Concern is growing that Michael's health may deteriorate due to him not taking his medication, and the fact the weather has been cold also places him at risk.

"Michael also has poor social skills and, although not a risk to himself or others when taking his medication, he can become violent after drinking."

Mr West is described as 5ft 8in, of stocky build, with a 5in scar on his right forearm.

He was last seen wearing a blue hooded top, patterned grey trousers, a white and cream Puffa jacket and boots.

He is asked to contact a member of his family, the police, or to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

People are asked not to approach Mr West, but to report any sightings to the nearest police station or Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Peterlee police on 0191-586 2621.