One of two violent absconders has been found after escaping from a secure hospital unit on Wednesday.

Neil Emery, 46, has been found but the police search continues for Jason Bratton, 36, who escaped from the ward run by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust at Epsom Hospital at 10.45am.

Your Local Guardian:

The search continues for Jason Bratton

Both men have violent pasts, had been detained under the Mental Health Act and left without the medication they need to control their mental illnesses.

About an hour ago, Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team posted on Facebook: "One of the males Neil Emery who went missing from Epsom Hospital has been found.

"Big thank you to the informants for spotting after recognising them from the TV appeal. Great work. Search still ongoing for the other male Jason Bratton."

Surrey Police have not yet issued a statement on the finding of Mr Emery.

Detective Inspector Dan Voller, who is leading the investigation, said: "Both men do have a history of violence and although there is no indication of any direct threat to the public, anyone who believes they have seen either of the two men are urged not to approach them but to phone police immediately."

He added: "Because we believe they have not taken their medication, the men may also be at risk of harming themselves. We are carrying out extensive searches for both men, but we need the public's help."

Mr Bratton, 5ft 2, is slim, with short black hair and a blue Celtic band tattoo on his upper arm. He wore grey jogging bottoms, a white T-shirt, a grey baseball cap and white trainers.

He is known to frequent Aldershot, Farnborough, Farnham and Southampton and regularly travels by train.

Mr Emery has links to Woking and Richmond.

If you see the men call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting reference number P14183236. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.