AN APPEAL has been launched to find a missing man who walked out of Royal Bournemouth hospital without receiving full medical treatment.

Police have said Alex Eldridge is believed to be very upset and officers are calling for the public's help to locate him.

Mr Eldridge, 24, was reported missing at 6.59pm on Thursday, February 27, after leaving Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where he was receiving medical treatment.

He is described as white, six feet six inches tall and of muscular build with short mousy brown hair. He was wearing a purple hooded jumper, navy blue tracksuit bottoms and grey trainers.

Chief Inspector Andy Edwards, of Dorset Police, said: “Alex left the hospital on foot before receiving the full medical treatment he needs. He is also understood to have been very upset and we are keen to locate him to make sure he is safe and well.

“We are carrying out searches around the hospital as well as areas he has links to. I am appealing to anyone who has any information as to Alex’s whereabouts, or who sees a man matching the description given, to please contact police immediately.

“I would also make a direct plea to Alex if you see this to please contact us or your family and let us know where you are so we can make sure you are alright.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Mr Eldridge's whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 27:360.