A man with a serious head injury walked out of hospital before receiving treatment.

Police are searching for Roger Hume, 56, who they say may have suffered a life-threatening wound and may be walking around with a bloodstained bandage on his head.

Members of the public raised the alarm after seeing Mr Hume, who lives in Brighton, lying on the ground in Norfolk Square, Brighton, yesterday.

He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital where he received initial treatment.

He was awaiting further examination when he walked out.

A police spokesman said: "We urgently need to trace him."