A missing patient who requires medication ran away while being transported between a hospital and another unit, it has emerged.

Anna Mitchell, 31, also known as Annabell, ran off near the Ewell Bypass during the journey from Epsom Hospital to the unit on Monday. She was last seen at 6.30pm. 

Police yesterday said Ms Mitchell went missing from hospital, but at 4pm today they issued a correction and said she ran away en-route elsewhere.

Surrey Police said: "Officers are concerned for her welfare because of the length of time she has been missing and the fact she requires medication that is not believed to be with her."

Ms Mitchell had been in the care of Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust which runs the mental health wing at the hospital. 

When asked for the circumstances around her disappearance, the trust said in a statement: "We can confirm that a person using our services at the Epsom Hospital site absconded on Monday evening.

"We are currently supporting Surrey Police with their enquiries."

The slim woman, about 5ft 6, was wearing a black coat, blue and white top and pink bag when she went missing.

The missing woman, who is reported to have recently visited Epsom and Sutton, has links to Westminster, Lewisham and Eltham.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting the reference number 45150046018, or visit https://my.surrey.police.uk/splonlinereportingweb