A man being treated by paramedics after drinking a potentially fatal amount anti-freeze has run away.

Paul Blaikie, 36, fled from St Helen’s Road, Hastings, around 8am this morning after he had ingested the substance.

Police have now deployed a helicopter to help the search - it is thought he may have been heading for Alexander Park.

Sergeant Paul Elrick from Hastings police said: "We are very concerned about Paul as we are advised that the amount of anti-freeze that he is believed to have ingested could prove extremely harmful and if not treated promptly, could be fatal.

“We have been informed that his eyesight was already affected when he was being treated and it could well appear that he is very drunk or comatose.

"He is of stocky build with dark, greying hair and was wearing blue jeans, a red hooded top and a dark coat.

"If you see him, it is essential that he gets medical treatment immediately.”

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call 999 quoting serial 174 of 13/03.