And today those questions are rightfully being asked of Kemple View hospital in the Ribble Valley, from where Anthony Roberts -- serving a life sentence for attempted murder -- went on the run for eight hours.

Roberts, 38, who has also been convicted of gross indecency with a child, a sex attack on a female and an assault on a woman, walked out of the hospital on Sunday afternoon but was caught later that night after calling his father from a phone box.

He had been on an unescorted walk around the hospital grounds.

He surrendered to police without a struggle but officers said they now want Kemple View to review its security.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has also called on hospital bosses to review their use of unescorted walks.

They will have to be seen to be acting -- and fast.

It is the second time this year a man described as a 'potential danger' to the public has gone missing from the low-security psychiatric hospital.

The hospital has said it has already started a review to see what lessons, if any, can be learnt.

We understand the patients' needs are the highest priority but the hospital's neighbours have rights, too, and we would hope they are not forgotten as part of any review.

Local residents are understandably worried by this latest breach. Their fears will need to be eased.

And they will have to be kept abreast of any security review will have to undertaken.