A police suspect escaped from custody at Slough's Wexham Park Hospital wearing one shoe and handcuffs yesterday afternoon.

Alexander Date, 29, made his escape in dramatic circumstances during the afternoon while under police guard at the hospital, where he had gone for treatment. He had been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and drugs offences.

He was wearing a dark-coloured long top with purple jogging trousers and at the time of his escape had only one shoe and was handcuffed.

He is white, 5ft 11ins tall, slim with short dark brown hair.

He is described as having links to Slough.

Detective Chief Inspector Nikki Pierce, said: "We would like to speak to anyone who sees Date or someone matching his distinctive description.

"He does not pose a danger to the wider public however we would advise anyone who sees him not to approach him but instead to call police.

"Date may require medical treatment therefore we need to find him as soon as possible to check on his welfare.

"Residents in the Wexham area may see an increased presence of officers while the search is ongoing to locate him."

Anyone who sees Alexander Date should call police on 999 at the time of the sighting or anyone who has information about where he may be should call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting URN 802 24/10 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.