A mental health patient at risk of harming himself has absconded from a private secure unit run by the Priory Group.

David Hutchinson, 30, had been detained under the Mental Health Act and went missing from the Priory Hospital Sturt House in Sturt’s Lane, Walton-on-the-Hill, on Sunday, July 20.

Police are appealing for help to find Mr Hutchinson, who was last seen in Redhill. It is believed he has not taken medication and could harm himself.

Priory Hospital Sturt House is a 21-bed facility which treats men who may pose a high level of risk or may have stepped down from a more secure facility.

A spokesman for the hospital said it is working with the police over Mr Hutchinson's disappearance.

The Priory Group’s flagship hospital in Roehampton is famous for treating celebrities with mental health problems and addictions.

Mr Hutchinson, who was previously known as David Goodyer, was seen on CCTV by a bus stop in Redhill town centre at 4.20pm on Sunday.

He is almost 6ft, slim and clean-shaven with dark brown hair and a left ear piercing.

At the time of his disappearance, he was not wearing an earring and wore a grey T-shirt, blue jeans and brown trainers.

He has not yet made contact with friends or family.

Detective Sergeant Tristan Hardiman, of Surrey Police, said: "We are asking for the public's help in tracing Mr Hutchinson.

"Although there is no indication of any direct threat to the public, anyone who believes they have seen him is urged not to approach him but to phone police."

DS Hardiman added: "Because we believe he has not taken his medication, he may also be at risk of harming himself, and our concern is increasing with each day that passes.

"We are carrying out extensive searches for Mr Hutchinson, but we need the public's help."

The Priory Group was created in 1980 when an American healthcare company purchased the Priory Hospital, Roehampton. Since then, the group has acquired more hospitals and diversified its services.

Any sightings of Mr Hutchinson should be reported to Surrey Police by calling 101 quoting reference number P14210062 or 45140060656.