Missing man wanted in connection with sex assault

Joshua Thompson

Police are trying to trace a missing mental health patient who officers want to speak to following a sexual assault in Rochdale.

Officers want to speak to Joshua Thompson, 22, in connection with a sexual assault on a 19-year-old woman at a flat on Milnrow Road, Rochdale, on 27 December.

He is believed to be in the Rochdale area.

Thompson went missing from Prestwich Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient, on 27 December.

Police said he has schizophrenia and does not have access to his medication.

Officers are warning anyone who sees him not to approach him but to contact the police.

Gill Green, director of nursing and operations for Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We can confirm we are closely liaising with Greater Manchester Police regarding a patient who failed to return from their authorised, unescorted leave.

"As we are still finding out details surrounding this patient, we will not be commenting further."