A NATIONWIDE appeal is being made by police who are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a missing 38-year-old woman.

Toni Campbell vanished from a secure psychiatric unit in Hackney, East London, nealy three months ago.

She was given authorised unescorted leave from the unit on April 5 but failed to return. She has not been seen or heard of since.

It is known that Ms Campbell takes medication for a mental condition and there is concern that she may deteriorate without it. She was residing at the unit under the Mental Health Act following a conviction for wounding a police officer in Essex in 2005. Prior to this, she was homeless.

It is thought that she might be sleeping rough, using hostels or other housing services for the vulnerable.

Ms Campbell is of mixed race, about 5ft 7in tall and of slim build. When last seen, her hair was worn in cornrows. However, she also wears it loose and in the past she has kept her hair very short.

Members of the public are advised to call 999 if they see her.

PC John Hitchings from the Hackney Police Missing Persons Unit said: "Toni could be anywhere in the country. We have exhausted all inquiries and need the help of the public to trace her. We have no reason to believe that she is a danger to others but would advise people to call 999 if they see her."

Anyone with information should contact police at either the Hackney Police Control Room on 020 7739 1212 (24-hour), the Hackney Missing Persons Unit on 020 7275 3402 (office hours ) or the National Missing Persons Helpline on 0500 700 700.