A FATHER-OF-TWO who went missing from Blackpool Victoria Hospital in his dressing gown and slippers has been found dead in nearby allotments.

Gary Collins, 44, was last seen alive on ward 14, an acute medical ward, at around midnight last Thursday. It is understood Mr Collins, from Fleetwood, was being treated for a liver complaint but could become confused without his normal medication.

Hospital chiefs have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Collins' death.

His disappearance prompted police house-to-house inquiries, and an underwater search of Stanley Park boating lake and lakes and ponds on nearby De Vere's golf course.

His body was discovered by a member of the public at about 10am on Tuesday morning, on allotments behind Victoria Hospital.

A Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman, said: "We have received notification that a body found in the periphery of the hospital grounds has been identified as Mr Gary Collins. Mr Collins was a patient on Ward 14 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. He left the ward on February 25 without medical authorisation.

"The Trust would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of Mr Collins.

"The matter is being investigated by the police with the Trust's full co-operation and at this stage it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further."

A post mortem examination was due to be completed on Tuesday afternoon, but a Lancashire Police spokesman said investigating officers believed Mr Collins' death was not suspicious