A BOURNEMOUTH man on the run from a secure mental health unit should not be approached because he is dangerous, say police.

Shane Cooper escaped from Ravenswood House near Fareham on Sunday night after smashing a window on the medium-secure Malcolm Faulk ward.

After the breakout at around 10.30pm a team of six officers began their search for the 34-year-old who they say has a history of psychiatric problems.

Police sniffer dogs tracked Mr Cooper's scent along the A32 but lost the trail at the Shell petrol station in Wickham.

Insp Richard Stowe believes Mr Cooper may have got into a waiting car or taken a taxi back to his home town of Bournemouth.

"Mr Cooper is known to have connections with the Bournemouth area and may possibly have attempted to travel to Bournemouth," he said.

"We have been liasing with Dorset Police who are assisting us with our inquiries.

"This man should not be approached by members of the public.

"If anyone sees Mr Cooper or a man matching his description they should contact police immediately."

Mr Cooper was being held at the 75-bed psychiatric unit while on remand from Bournemouth Crown Court where he faces abduction charges.

David Freeman, spokesman for West Hampshire NHS Trust, said it was the first time one of the unit's high security windows had been broken in its 18-year history.

He added: "We will be using expert security advice in our review to ensure there can be no similar breaches of security in the future."

"In the meantime our number one priority is to ensure the safe return of the patient to the unit."

Mr Cooper is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, of stocky build with spiky black hair.

When he was last seen he was wearing a smart grey suit-type jacket, grey trousers, white trainers and a gold bracelet on his wrist.

He occasionally speaks with a slur or stammer.

Anyone with any information about Mr Cooper's whereabouts should call Fareham Police on 0845 045 4545 or, alternitively, dial 999 in an emergency.