A MORECAMBE man sent to a mental hospital in a bid to 'protect the public' has become the third person this year to escape from a 'secure unit' where he was being held.

Albert Oszmianski, who stabbed a man last year, was sent to a unit in the Ribble Valley less than three months ago.

Police say Oszmianski, who could be back in the town, is dangerous and must not be approached as he may become violent without his medication.

Less than three months ago, Oszmianski, originally from the West Midlands, was told by Judge Peter Openshaw QC that an indefinite hospital order was necessary to protect the public.

Security at Kemple View, in the village of Langho, has been slammed by neighbours and the local MP, Nigel Evans.

Police had to be called in to find two other escapees earlier this year, though both were recaptured within 24 hours.

The unit, surrounded by 10ft security fencing, has places for 64 patients.

It claims on its website to offer: "an active rehabilitation service to adults with mental illness that have not derived significant benefits from mainstream services."

Mr Evans said this week: "I am obviously very concerned about this.

I shall be contacting the management urgently.

We don't want this to happen again for fear there may be tragic consequences."

Oszmianski was jailed less than three months ago for stabbing Gary Turner in July 2001.

Mr Turner had fought with his attacker after an argument over a charity leaflet which Oszmianski had snatched from his letterbox.

The following day, the pair saw each other on the promenade.

Oszmianski said: "You're dead, I'm going to kill you."

Later that day, Oszmianski stabbed Mr Turner, narrowly missing arteries in his stomach.

He was later traced to his Clarendon Road flat, where he was found hacking off parts of his long hair.

Oszmianski was, Preston Crown Court heard in July, suffering from delusions that he needed to defend himself, leading to him carrying a knife.

Oszmianski is described as white, stocky, 5ft 8ins tall, with dark brown receding hair in a skinhead cut.

He has brown eyes, speaks with a Midlands accent, and was wearing a white T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

He was unshaven when last seen, and it is thought this may have grown into stubble, although he was not wearing a full beard.

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