A mentally-ill woman who knifed a police officer in a Colchester park has absconded from hospital.

Police have taken three months to warn the public that the woman has gone missing, claiming they had to carry out inquiries before they released the details.

Toni Campbell, aged 38, stabbed PC Lucy Ross in Colchester Castle Park in April 2005, leaving her with a wound to her temple.

She was detained under the Mental Health Act and was being treated at the secure psychiatric centre in Hackney, East London.

Police say they are concerned for her welfare and fear paranoid schizophrenic Campbell's health will deteriorate without medication.

Campbell was given "authorised unescorted leave" on April 5 but has failed to return.

They are advising members of the public to call 999 if they see her.

It is thought that she might be sleeping rough, using hostels or other housing services for the vulnerable. Campbell is of mixed race, about 5ft 7in tall and of slim build.

  • Anyone with information should contact police on 020 7739 1212.