A VIOLENT mental health patient who was sent to a secure unit after attacking a pensioner with a rock is on the run tonight.

Police warned people not to approach schizophrenic Saju Miah, 25, described as unpredictable and aggressive, and said anyone who saw him should dial 999 immediately.

Miah – who was sectioned after the attack – fled from Littlemore Hospital, in Sandford Lane, Oxford, at 4pm on Wednesday while on an escorted walk in the garden.

Police officers have searched gardens and homes across the city, and airports were warned he may try to leave the UK.

Det Chief Insp Colin Paine, leading the search, said: “We have launched an extensive manhunt.

“He hasn’t completed his course of treatment and that is the reason why we consider him to be a worry. His behaviour can be unpredictable and violent and he could pose a threat to the public.”

Miah is described as Asian, about 5ft 7in, of small build, with short black hair and was last seen wearing a black tracksuit, white trainers and a black baseball cap.

Mr Paine added: “I consider it possible that he may be trying to return home to Bangladesh and I’m looking into possible routes he may have taken since leaving the hospital. We have searched a number of addresses in the city belonging to family and associates.”

Miah was sent to the secure unit in May 2006 after admitting committing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Oxford Crown Court heard Miah repeatedly beat a 74-year-old around the head with a rock after following him into an alleyway in July 2005.

His victim spent four days in intensive care and a month in hospital. The pensioner and family have been informed of Miah’s escape.

A spokesman for the mental health trust which runs the hospital said: “The trust is concerned about the welfare of the patient and urges members of the public to call the number given by Thames Valley Police if they see him and not to approach him as he may be vulnerable and distressed.”

Miah had been on escorted walks before without any issues and was risk assessed, the spokesman added.

An Oxford Mail investigation this summer revealed a patient goes missing every two days from the care of mental health hospitals in Oxford and Banbury.

Between May 2005 and April this year 847 people escaped, walked out or failed to return from leave while in the care of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust, which runs Littlemore Hospital.

Anyone with information about Miah should call police on 08458 505505.