POLICE are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a man missing for nearly five weeks.
Derek Watson, 44, went missing from Basildon Hospital, where he was an in-patient, on Friday, July 20.
Since then, there has only been one sighting of him, when he was seen in Basildon town centre last Sunday.
Police are keen to find Mr Watson and return him to the hospital.
Insp Simon Dobinson said: "We are very concerned for the welfare of Mr Watson as he has now been missing for a substantial number of weeks.
"We would urge anyone who spots him to get in touch with us immediately."
Mr Watson is white, 5ft 5ins tall with a crewcut.
He was last seen wearing a navy-blue, short-sleeved polo shirt, blue jeans and sunglasses on his head. He was carrying a rucksack which was light and dark blue in colour.
Anyone with information about Mr Watson's whereabouts can contact police on 01268 532212.
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