Police have launched a search for a missing man who walked out of Southampton General Hospital.

Officers fear for Arkadijs Petrovs' health after he was last seen walking out of the high dependency ward at the hospital at 4.30pm on Monday.

The 35-year-old had been undergoing treatment for a serious medical condition, after being admitted to hospital earlier this month.

Hampshire Constabulary says Arkadijs was wearing green hospital pyjamas and was carrying a blue rucksack when he left the hospital.

Sergeant Joanne Nelson said: “It is very important that we find Mr Petrovs as soon as possible.  He needs to return to hospital to continue with his treatment before there are serious consequences to his health.

“We have released this passport photo of Arkadijs, if you have any information about where he may be, or think you have seen him since 4.30pm yesterday, please call us as soon as possible.

Anyone with information about Arkadijs’ whereabouts, please call police on 101 quoting reference '44170233797', or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111