Early-morning commuters and dog walkers are asked to look out for a Colchester student who ran off from Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford in a distressed state earlier this morning (May 15).
Paulo Junior, 34, initially arrived at Stansted Airport at around 11pm yesterday (May 14).
He was found in a mentally unstable condition which caused police concern.
As a result, paramedics took him to the hospital in mid-Essex.
However, the 34-year-old man ran off from hospital staff at 2am.
A police spokesman said: "Paulo has no family here in the UK and is a student at the University of Essex.
He is living in halls of residence near the Colchester campus.
"We want people travelling to work, or indeed returning home from a night shift, as well as those out walking their dogs this morning in the Broomfield or wider Chelmsford town area to keep an eye out for him.
"He is obviously unwell and we want him to have a medical assessment immediately."
Paulo is described as brown, approximately 6ft 2ins tall, wears glasses and is of slim build. He ran off from the hospital wearing blue jeans and black and green trainers.
The police helicopter carried out an aerial search for him shortly after 2.30am
Police are also keen to hear from any of his friends in order to find out what may have caused the Brazilian student's sudden illness.
Anyone who sees Paulo should contact Essex Police immediately on 999 with friends urged to contact officers at Chelmsford police station on 101.
