Officers are appealing for help from the public as they carry out searches for a man last seen leaving the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Tim Marshall, aged 49, left the hospital in Castle Lane East at around 9.45am on Sunday, September 27, but did not return as expected to his address in Highland Avenue in Christchurch. He was reported missing at 12.17am on Monday.

Tim is described as white, five feet seven inches tall and of medium build with short brown hair. He was wearing a green jacket, green T-shirt and blue jeans.

Chief Inspector Stuart Pitman, of Dorset Police, said: “We are becoming concerned for Tim’s welfare and are carrying out searches in the area of the hospital and his address in Christchurch.

“I would urge anyone with information as to Tim’s whereabouts, or who sees a man matching the description given, to please contact us immediately.

“I would also like to appeal directly to Tim if you see this and ask that you please contact us and let us know where you are as we just want to ensure that you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Tim’s whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 28:1.