An elderly man has gone missing after walking out of Colchester General Hospital earlier this morning.

A police search is underway after the man, in his 70s, left the hospital shortly after 8am dressed only in his dark-blue pyjamas and a blue jumper. 

He was also wearing a hospital wristband and has a cannula in his left hand. 

He is described as white, is approximately 5ft 9ins tall, has thinning hair and a grey beard.

A search of the area, including Highwoods Country Park, is currently underway with the police helicopter assisting officers on the ground.

Anyone who sees this man is urged to contact Essex Police immediately on 999.