A dangerous man missing from a South Croydon care home is a convicted killer who strangled a rough sleeper to death.

Ghodratollah Barani strangled Mark Morrison, 46, in Marble Arch in June 2012, and spent the next week trying to see the Queen, having heard voices telling him that by killing someone he could become King of England.

Barani, 31, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at the Old Bailey in March 2013, and was given an indefinite hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act – an order made for a patient’s own protection and for the safety of the public.

From May: Metropolitan Police concerned for welfare of Purley care home resident reported missing

The Metropolitan Police reported Afghan national Barani as missing from Evergreen Lodge care home in Hill Road, South Croydon, last week, warning the public not to approach him, but call emergency services immediately.

He left the care home, where had been receiving treatment for a psychotic disorder since November 2015, at about 6pm on Thursday, May 11.

Barani has not been seen or heard from since then, and this is out of character, a spokesperson for the Met advised.

After trawling through hours of CCTV footage, detectives have established that he boarded the 109 bus near Thornton Heath Pond and travelled to Norbury at about 10pm on the night he disappeared.

There has not been a confirmed sighting of him since.

Barani, an Afghan national, is described as five feet tall, with a medium build and a broad face and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a green hooded top.

He is known to frequently visit Croydon, Bromley and central London.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard McDonagh, from Croydon CID, said:"It is important that Ghodratollah is found as we need to ensure his safety.

"Those caring for him have suggested that with the care and treatment he has been receiving over the years, he is not currently in the same place as he was when he committed the offence, but we cannot be complacent."

He added: "We do not want the public to be alarmed but we do want them to be vigilant, if you think you have seen Ghodratollah at any point over the last week or have any information as to his whereabouts then please do get in contact."

Anyone who sees Ghodratollah should not to approach him, but call they should 999 immediately, the Met Police advised.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can contact police in Croydon via 101 or by tweeting @MetCC