HOUSEHOLDERS were urged tonight to check their garages, garden sheds and outbuildings for a patient who has gone missing from a North Yorkshire hospital.

Police said they were increasingly concerned for the welfare of Graham Roskell, 65, from Kirk Hammerton, between York and Knaresborough, who was last seen by staff at Harrogate District Hospital - where he was receiving treatment - at around 7.30am yesterday.

Officers have been conducting extensive searches but he has still not been found.

Inspector Bruce Prendergast said: "He may have taken shelter somewhere as the night drew in and I would urge everyone to take a few minutes to check their outbuildings and help us with our search.

"We don't want Mr Roskell to spend another night out in the open, therefore it is vital that anyone with any information, no matter how small, contacts the police as soon as possible."

Mr Roskell is white, with a stocky build and short grey hair and, when he was last seen, he was wearing a green patterned jumper, grey trousers and black shoes. It is also believed he had a blue dressing gown with him.

Anyone who can help locate Mr Roskell is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 - select option 2 - and ask for Harrogate police.