12 May 2011 Last updated at 10:05 ET

Bonnybridge Hospital patient missing for three days

Alexander Gerrard was last seen three days ago

Police have widened their search for a patient who went missing from a hospital three days ago.

Alexander Gerrard, 69, was last seen at Bonnybridge Hospital, Falkirk, between 1500 and 1700 BST on Tuesday.

He was then spotted on the outskirts of Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire, at about 1800 BST on Tuesday.

Officers described him as "vulnerable" and asked anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them immediately.

Mr Gerrard is described as 5ft 7in tall, of medium build and with brown and greying receding hair. He wears glasses but was not thought to be wearing them when he was last seen.

He was wearing a dark fleece jacket, dark trousers and dark shoes, and speaks with a strong Aberdeenshire accent.

Garden search

Inspector Gail Wintrup said: "We are now in the third day of searching for Mr Gerrard and are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare. His family are also extremely worried.

"Extensive searches have taken place involving specialist dogs, police search experts, thermal imaging equipment from Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service and Strathclyde Police helicopter in the Bonnybridge area.

"Further searches and inquiries are taking place in the Kilsyth area.

Inspector Wintrup urged people to check in their gardens, out-buildings or sheds for any sign of the missing man.