RELATIVES and friends of a hospital patient who has gone missing are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety.

Hubert Nowicki, 45, who lives in Parr, was reported as missing to police on Saturday, 5 July.

He was last seen by staff at Whiston Hospital, where he was a patient, on Friday evening.

A police spokesman said: "Hubert's family and friends are becoming increasingly concerned for his whereabouts as his disappearance is out of character and he has never been reported as missing before.

"Officers have been actively searching for Hubert, who lives on Downway Lane, St Helens, and are appealing to anyone with information to get in touch."

Hubert is described as white, about 6ft tall, of a slim build with short brown hair.

He is originally from Poland. He was last seen wearing a yellow high visibility vest, long sleeve blue jumper, black cargo trousers, black safety boots and a peaked cap.

Anyone who thinks they have seen Hubert since Friday, July 4, or has any information about his whereabouts, is urged to call Merseyside Police on either 0151 777 6153, the 101 number or the Missing People charity on 116 000.