TWO patients have gone missing from a mental health hospital.

Essex Police are searching for Paola Akosa, 39, and Derek Jarrett, 56, after they failed to return to the unit in Pound Lane, Bowers Gifford on Wednesday.

The pair do not have their medication with them and doctors are worried this could have an effect on their mental health and behaviour.

The public are urged not to approach the pair but to call Essex Police on 101.

Officers have alerted other forces including the Metropolitan Police and Kent as there is some suggestions the pair may have travelled to these areas, but it is feared they could be anywhere in the country.

Paola Akosa is black, large build, 5ft 10ins tall with shoulder length curly hair.

She was last seen wearing a white top, blue jeans and white sandals. She has several ear and nose piercings and is usually uses a lot of make up.

She is believed to have gone missing with Derek Jarrett.

He is white, 5ft 6ins tall with grey hair and blue eyes and wears glasses.

When last seen he was wearing track suit bottoms, black shoes, and carrying a brown shoulder bag.

He has several tattoos on his arms including a rose, dagger, snake and eagle's head.

He also wears a diabetic bracelet.