Man missing from Langho secure unit may be dressed as woman

12:25pm Sunday 27th April 2008

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POLICE are appealing for information about a man who has gone missing from a secure unit in Langho.

Stephen Hibbs, 54, disappeared from low security accommodation at Kemple View Hospital, Langho, on Thursday evening.

Police said that Mr Hibbs suffers from a personality disorder which may result in him possibly wearing female clothing.

Due of his condition, police claim the longer Stephen remains away from care, or if he drinks alcohol, the more vulnerable he becomes and the risk to both himself and the public increases.

He is known to have travelled to the Blackpool area and is frequenting the town centre, but police don't know where he is staying.

The public have been advised not to approach him if they see him.

He described as 5ft 4in' tall, small in stature and he shuffles when he walks.

He is balding, with grey thinning hair and could possibly be wearing glasses.

He was last seen wearing a short sleeved t-shirt and blue track suit bottoms although it is expected that he may have changed these, possibly to female clothing.

Inspector Nick Williams-Jones said: "I would like to speak to anyone who may have seen Stephen over the past couple of days or who knows where he is now to contact police.

"Because of his condition we are getting increasingly concerned for his welfare.

"If anybody sees Stephen we would ask them not to approach him, but to contact their nearest police station immediately."

Anybody with any information should contact police on O845 1253545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.