3:47pm Wednesday 19th November 2008
By Daniel Knowles
A man charged with murder and another with aggravated burglary have escaped from a Wandsworth mental hospital.
Police are appealing for information after two men absconded from Springfield Hospital about 10.20pm last night.
John Claydon, 28, was charged with a murder in Bath in April this year.
John Slavin, 44, was being held ahead of an appearance in court on an aggravated burglary charge.
Officers were notified by the hospital and a search has been conducted through the night to trace them using the Air Support Unit and dogs.
A review of CCTV is taking place and the ongoing efforts to trace the men are being supported by officers from the Territorial Support Group.
Claydon is described as a white man, approximately 5ft 11in tall and of medium build.
His hair is dark brown in a cropped style and he has several scars including a half-inch scar to his top lip, a second half-inch scar to his forehead near his eyebrow, a scar to the bridge of his nose and a scar to the back of his head.
Claydon has a gold tooth at the top left of his front row teeth.
He is known to associate in the Kensington and Chelsea areas.
Slavin is described as a white man, approximately 6ft 3in tall and of thin build.
At the time of his escape he was wearing black jumper, black coat, blue jeans, brown shoes and black beanie hat.
He also had a goatee beard. His hair is short and dark and he has tattoos on his left arm and hand.
He is originally from the Bristol area and is known to frequent Aberdeen.
Both men are on remand while awaiting criminal proceedings and were being assessed for mental health conditions while at the hospital.
If members of the public see either man they are not to approach them and dial 999 immediately. Alternatively if anyone has seen them previously or has information that could assist the search for Slavin and Claydon please call 020 8247 8734 or 0300 123 1212.
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