Police issue 'do not approach' warning after man escapes secure hospital in Greenwich

Metropolitan Police are searching for 46-year-old Menelik who absconded from staff during an escorted visit near Deptford station and is believed to have links to Streatham and Brixton

Police are asking the public to help find a man who has fled from a secure hospital in Greenwich, east London - but have warned people not to approach him if spotted.

Metropolitan Police officers received a call shortly after 1.20pm on Wednesday, March 31, alerting them that 46 year old Menelik had escaped from staff during a supervised shopping trip near Deptford Dockland Light Railway Station.

It's understood he then got on a number 53 bus heading towards Lambeth North. Menelik is described as 5ft9 tall and of medium build.

He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black jogging bottoms, and blue trainers.

It's thought he has connections to Streatham and is also known to visit the Brixton area.

Police are requesting public assistance to trace him, but have stressed that anyone who spots him should dial 999 straight away rather than approach him, reports the Express.

PC Luke Hill, who is leading the investigation, said: "My team are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries to locate Menelik, but he remains missing.

"If seen, we ask the public not to approach him and call 999."

Anyone with additional information about his whereabouts should contact 101 quoting CAD 3843/31MAR.