A PENSIONER who discharged himself from Colchester General Hospital against medical advice and sparked a police search has been found safe.

Joseph Preston left the hospital shortly after midnight on Sunday, despite having had surgery on Thursday.

The 72-year-old retired Clacton man’s disappearance triggered an extensive police search throughout the hospital grounds, surrounding roads and fields.

Police were contacted shortly before 11pm on Sunday by a farmer in Langham who had come across Mr Preston on his property.

Mr Preston was conveyed to Colchester General Hospital where he was treated for the effects of the cold weather.