Concern for patient missing from mental health facility

Concern is growing for the safety of a patient who has been reported missing from a mental health facility in North Ayrshire.

The public has been warned not to approach Joseph Shields, who has failed to return from unescorted time out from Woodland View in Irvine.

He was last seen leaving the grounds of Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine on Thursday morning.

The 43-year-old is 6ft 1in with a heavyset build, blue eyes, wears glasses, has short dark hair, a scar on each cheek and scarring to the right-hand side of his head.

He also has a large tribal tattoo around his right forearm.

When last seen, he was wearing black trainers, a blue checked shirt, navy denims and a grey Nike hoodie with a black band across the chest.

Crawford McGuffie, medical director, said: “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.”