The public has been urged not to approach a Scot who has gone missing from a mental health facility.
Police and NHS have launched an urgent appeal to trace Joseph Shields, 43, who was last seen leaving the grounds of Ayrshire Central Hospital yesterday, June 24, around 9.20am.
He had failed to return from agreed unescorted time out from Woodland View in Irvine.
Concerns are growing for his welfare and anyone who has spotted him is urged to contact police.
He is described as around 6ft 1in tall, of heavy build, wears glasses and has short brown hair.
He was last seen wearing a grey hooded jacket with thin black lines across the chest, a blue checked shirt, dark navy jeans and black, white and red Nike Air Max trainers.
Joseph also has a large ‘tribal’ type tattoo around his right forearm.
Sergeant Mark Wason, of Irving Police Station, said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Joseph’s welfare and anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0951 of 24 June.”
Dr Crawford McGuffie, Medical Director, adds: “We are increasingly concerned for Mr Shields and want to ensure his wellbeing, so that he can be safely returned to Woodland View.
“Mr Shields should not be approached by the public and anyone who may have seen Mr Shields, or have information as to his whereabouts, should contact Police Scotland on 111.
“We are working with Police Scotland in order to ascertain his wellbeing and return him safely to the facility.”
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