A TEENAGE prisoner is on the run after he escaped from a mental health hospital.

Suspected robber Louis Cross, aged 18, distracted staff at Prestwich Hospital on Saturday and climbed over a wall before fleeing.

He was on remand at the hospital for two robberies in the Hope area of Salford in August last year.

Police said he was not a danger but urged members of the public not to approach him.

Cross, of Falstone Close, Warrington, had been charged with one count of robbery from a business and one count of personal robbery.

He has since reportedly been seen in the Forest Bank area, possibly with some other men.

At the time of his escape Cross was wearing a grey fleecy tracksuit with matching top and trousers and a hood.

His hair is dark and short, and he is of slim build.

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4650 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.