POLICE are urgently trying to trace a pensioner who left a North-East hospital without warning amid fears that he could die without further treatment.

Charles Dickens, 69, was being cared for at Darlington Memorial Hospital when he walked out without telling staff last Thursday.

Police say he now needs to be urgently re-admitted to the hospital and admit they are growing increasingly worried for his safety.

Mr Dickens, originally from Scotland, has a history of sleeping rough and is known to frequent Darlington town centre and other areas around the town.

When he left hospital he had a small amount of cash on him, although it is not known how long this will last.

Inspector Ian Coates, of Darlington police, said he could not reveal details of Mr Dickens' illness, but said it could potentially prove fatal if not treated..

He said: "We will treat any leads on this as urgent because we need to find him as soon as possible. It has not been made clear from our inquiries how he actually ended up in the hospital and he may have just walked in off the street."

Police say Mr Dickens has no close family and they have no reason to suspect that he has left the area. He is described as being 5ft 11ins tall, of average build, with grey hair and a pale complexion.

When last seen by hospital staff he was wearing a purple and grey jacket.

Anyone who can help police with their inquiries should contact (01325) 467681.