Police launch search for missing teenage patient

North Yorkshire Police made an urgent appeal yesterday for information to trace 19-year-old Jack Hester-Wox, from York, after he failed to return to Cheswold Park Hospital in Doncaster following an unescorted visit to a local beauty spot.

Police believe he may be in the York area and are urging anyone who knows of his whereabouts to contact them as a “matter of urgency”.

The teenager was reported missing at 5.30pm on Thursday, and officers from the North Yorkshire force carried out searches yesterday in the York area in the hope of tracing him. They are also appealing for members of the public to report any sightings.

Superintendent Phil Cain, from the York safer neighbourhood team, said: “It’s vital that Mr Hester-Wox is returned to the hospital to complete his treatment.

“We believe he may have travelled to York and are appealing for anyone who has seen him since 2pm on Thursday, October 10 or knows of his current whereabouts to please contact the police.”

Mr Hester-Wox is described as white and 6ft tall with a large build. He has blue eyes and light brown to fair hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police’s non-emergency number on 101.

However, police stressed the public should call 999 in an emergency.