CONCERN is growing for the safety of a critically ill man who discharged himself from Watford General Hospital on Sunday.

Hertfordshire Police have revealed Mr Momodou Lamin Jobarteh, 21, suffering from Tuberculosis and could die without the necessary treatment.

Police were unable to release details of the disease at first because of patient confidentiality laws.

However, to avoid wide-spread panic a police spokesman said: "The man has TB, which is contagious but not very likely to spread.

"The hospital assure me there is no real risk to the public."

The 5ft 7in man is very thin and may have collapsed soon after leaving hospital.

He is black with short hair and has a one-inch scar on his forearm.

Anyone with information can contact police on 01923 472000.

November 6, 2001 10:30