Police are appealing for the public’s help to find a vulnerable teenager who has gone missing from a mental health unit. 

Ricky Thorn, 17, has not been seen since 9am this morning (May 12) when he left the Brookside Mental Health Unit, in Barley Lane, Ilford.

The unit, which takes patients from Redbridge, Waltham Forest and parts of west Essex, provides 24/7 care and treatment for young people aged 12 to 18 with severe psychological, behavioural and emotional difficulties.

Redbridge police officers and Ricky’s family are concerned that he could be a risk to himself.

He does not have any cash or travel cards on him but police believe he may be making his way into central London.

Ricky is described as 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with medium length brown hair and square framed glasses.

He was wearing a black and white checked long-sleeved shirt and black trousers when he went missing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Missing Person Unit at Redbridge police station on 101.