A COUNTYWIDE hunt has been launched for two men who have escaped from a secure mental health unit.

Both men, Jason Bratton - who has links to Hampshire and Southampton - and Neil Emery, have a history of violence and went missing from the unit at Epsom General Hospital Wednesday.

Members of the public are being warned not to approach the men, who are unlikely to have taken their medication and as a result may be a risk to themselves and others.

The pair had been detained under the Mental Health Act and both require various medications.

Mr Bratton, 36, is described as white, 160cm tall, of a slim build with short black hair. He was wearing grey jogging bottoms, a white t-shirt, a grey baseball cap and white trainers.

He also has a blue Celtic band tattoo around his upper arm.

He is known to frequent the areas of Southampton, Aldershot, Farnham and Farnborough and regularly uses the rail network.

Daily Echo: Jason BrattonJason Bratton

Mr Emery, 46, is white, 5ft 8ins tall and of a stocky build with short black greying hair, a scruffy beard and a tanned complexion. He was wearing a white t-shirt, three-quarter length khaki trousers and boots.

Officers have carried out a number of enquiries and have established that neither of the men have their phones or any money.

Police are contacting friends and family of the two men but so far neither of them has made any contact.

Detective Inspector Dan Voller, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are asking for the public's help in tracing these two men.

“Both men do have a history of violence and although there is no indication of any direct threat to the public, anyone who believes they have seen either of the two men are urged not to approach them but to phone police immediately.

“Because we believe they have not taken their medication, the men may also be at risk of harming themselves. We are carrying out extensive searches for both men, but we need the public's help.”

Anyone with information about their whereabouts should call Surrey Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.