Dangerous missing patient may be north

A mental patient who went missing from a psychiatric unit in South Auckland last night is dangerous and should not be approached, say police.

Matiu Whiu, 22, may be in the Kaikohe area after he left the unit in Flat Bush, South Auckland, about 9pm yesterday and headed north, police said.

Police said he left the unit in contravention of a court order but did not have access to a vehicle and may be on foot.

He is Maori, about 115kg and about 190cm tall. He was wearing a black hoodie, black jeans, 'chucks' (sandshoes) and carried a black bag.

Police said they were concerned for Mr Whiu's well being because of his mental state and anyone seeing him should not approach him but call police immediately.

- NZPA