AN OBESE convicted murderer has gone on the run after escaping from psychiatric hospital staff while at the shops in West Wickham.

Patricia Gillette was on escorted leave when she made off from the high street at around 3pm yesterday (November 13).

She was being held at Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham.

Detective Sergeant Gary Gornell, of Bromley CID, said: "This individual is dangerous and we need to apprehend her as soon as possible.

“If anyone sees her, please don't approach her, but call police immediately."

When she was last seen she was wearing a red hooded coat, a blue jean shirt, black jogging bottoms and black shoes.

The 41-year-old is about 5ft 5in tall and weighs 25 stone.

She has moles under both eyes, a scar on the left side of her neck and another scar on her left ear and wears her hair in a small ponytail on top of head.

Police say she has friends in her home borough of Streatham and also in Lambeth.

Ms Gillette was found guilty at the Old Bailey in July 2007 of murdering Mark Murphy, 38, at his home in Streatham on August 22 2006.

She was sentenced to be detained under a Hospital Order for an indefinite period.

Anyone with information should call Bromley CID on 020 8284 8754 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

For any immediate sighting call 999.