POLICE are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of a mental health hospital patient who has not been seen for ten days.

Michael Gales, 34, was being treated at the Pine unit of Middleton St George Hospital, near Darlington.

Following an assessment of his condition by staff on Saturday, September 24, he was allowed to leave the hospital on the understanding that he returned after an hour.

But after leaving at about 1pm, he failed to come back and police were informed.

Officers checked his last known residence - a hostel in Stockton - but there was no sign of Mr Gales there.

He has not withdrawn any money from the bank and has also not taken the medication he is presently on.

A police spokesman said Mr Gales, who was born in Yarm, was considered reclusive and had little immediate family that investigators were aware of.

He is described as having short dark brown hair and a long face, being of average build and usually clean-shaven.

When he left the hospital, he was wearing a navy and grey jacket, navy jogging bottoms and white trainers.

Anyone with information on Mr Gales' whereabouts is asked to contact police on 0845 60 60 365.