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Killer Phillip Whiteman flees secure Newcastle hospital Killer Phillip Whiteman flees secure Newcastle hospital
(35 minutes later)
A convicted killer detained under the Mental Health Act has escaped from a secure hospital in Newcastle.A convicted killer detained under the Mental Health Act has escaped from a secure hospital in Newcastle.
Phillip Whiteman, 44, fled St Nicholas Hospital, a medium-security unit, in Gosforth, at about 10:20 GMT.Phillip Whiteman, 44, fled St Nicholas Hospital, a medium-security unit, in Gosforth, at about 10:20 GMT.
He was being escorted in the hospital when he asked to go to the toilets from where he escaped.He was being escorted in the hospital when he asked to go to the toilets from where he escaped.
He is described as white, 6ft tall, of slim build with brown and grey hair. Whiteman killed a fellow patient at a hospital in Liverpool.He is described as white, 6ft tall, of slim build with brown and grey hair. Whiteman killed a fellow patient at a hospital in Liverpool.
Police have asked the public not to approach him and dial 999 if they see him.Police have asked the public not to approach him and dial 999 if they see him.
'No concern of threat''No concern of threat'
The 44-year-old, who was previously known as Phillip Westwater, from Newcastle, left the clothing he had been wearing in the toilet.The 44-year-old, who was previously known as Phillip Westwater, from Newcastle, left the clothing he had been wearing in the toilet.
However, police believe he is wearing black Adidas trainers, black and grey combat trousers, a black and blue jacket, a black hat and gloves.However, police believe he is wearing black Adidas trainers, black and grey combat trousers, a black and blue jacket, a black hat and gloves.
Northumbria Police Supt Derek Scott said: "There is nothing to suggest that he has escaped to commit any offences.Northumbria Police Supt Derek Scott said: "There is nothing to suggest that he has escaped to commit any offences.
"He is detained on a hospital order so there is an element of danger there but we are not concerned he will pose a threat to anyone."He is detained on a hospital order so there is an element of danger there but we are not concerned he will pose a threat to anyone.
"My concern is about his own welfare, he does have medical conditions which require treatment and that's our main reason to get him back quickly.""My concern is about his own welfare, he does have medical conditions which require treatment and that's our main reason to get him back quickly."
Increased patrols
The missing patient is diabetic and has been fitted with a pump which has enough insulin to last three days, police said.
A team of officers is dedicated to finding him and Northumbria Police has increased patrols in the area.
Detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act following a pub fight in 1989, Whiteman then strangled Derek Williams at Ashworth Hospital, Liverpool, with his dressing gown cord.Detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act following a pub fight in 1989, Whiteman then strangled Derek Williams at Ashworth Hospital, Liverpool, with his dressing gown cord.
He admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, having become convinced his victim had turned into a black dog.He admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, having become convinced his victim had turned into a black dog.
Whiteman married a nurse while he was a patient at high-security Rampton Hospital in Nottinghamshire in 2008.Whiteman married a nurse while he was a patient at high-security Rampton Hospital in Nottinghamshire in 2008.
Before being treated at Rampton, he had also been a patient at Broadmoor Hospital in West London.Before being treated at Rampton, he had also been a patient at Broadmoor Hospital in West London.