POLICE have warned people not to approach a 47-year-old man with mental health problems who has been missing for more than two weeks.

Stephen Corcho received daily care from the West Kent NHS and Social Care Trust at his home in Barming, near Maidstone.

But he has not been seen by his carers since Sunday, October 3. He was not reported missing to the police until Tuesday, October 15, because of medical protocol.

Maidstone and Malling Police say the man, who was last seen wearing a dark brown trench coat and a cowboy-style hat, may have stopped taking his medication and should not be challenged by members of the public.

Mr Corcho, who is African-Caribbean, is about 5ft 6in, with a greying beard. Four of his upper front teeth are missing. He could be sleeping rough in the Maidstone or Ashford areas.

Simon Morgan, spokesman for the West Kent NHS and Social Care Trust, said it was likely that no legal order had been made to keep Mr Corcho at his house. He said, in that case, it was only the trust's duty to report his disappearance to the police if they had reason to fear for his safety."

He added: "We cannot comment on individual cases because of patient confidentiality. However when a patient does go missing we do inform the police after a professional clinical judgement is made, based upon concerns for the welfare of the patient."

Anyone with information about Mr Corcho should contact PC Debbie Tyler on 01622 608060.