A man previously convicted of manslaughter who went missing from a mental health hospital in England four days ago caught the train to Edinburgh , cops have revealed.
Police are warning the public not to approach Michael Errington who left The Priory Hospital in Middleton St George, Darlington at around 8am on Saturday.
The 51-year-old was given approved leave from the premises and did not return.
He has been living at the secure mental health hospital for the past nine years after serving 18 years in prison for manslaughter.
Errington is on medication, which officers believe he has not taken since Saturday. Without it, it is understood he can become aggressive and unpredictable.
Members of the public are urged not to approach Errington if they see him, but to call Durham Constabulary immediately on 999.
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Police say Michael caught a bus to Darlington town centre after leaving the hospital. He then caught another bus to Durham, and then a further bus to Newcastle where he boarded a train to Edinburgh.
The train arrived into Edinburgh Waverley station at 2.38pm on Saturday where he was captured on CCTV getting off the train.
He then left the station via the Princes Street exit and turned left towards the castle.
Errington is described as being around 6ft tall, of medium build, bald, with tattoos on his arms and legs. He was thought to be wearing a red polo shirt, but may have changed into a grey t-shirt. He may also be wearing a black jacket, light blue jeans and white trainers.
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Temporary Superintendent Catherine Clarke, from Durham Constabulary, said: “These are our last known sightings of Michael.
"Due to his mental health issues, which can become exacerbated when he hasn’t taken his medication, we believe he may pose a risk to the public.
“Therefore, we would urge anyone who sees him not to approach him but to call us immediately on 999.”
