AN investigation has been launched after a Hampshire paedophile escaped from a psychiatric unit sparking a major manhunt.

Last night Stephen Munden from Marchwood, who was described as having a “fanatical obsession” with small girls, remained at large having been on the run since Tuesday.

Munden was ordered to be detained in a hospital after a judge heard how after he targeted a toddler on a bus.

However, police have revealed more details about his escape from the unit in Hampshire as they outlined how a full scale manhunt including helicopters yesterday joined the search.

The 54-year-old, who was detained under the Mental Health Act, was last spotted leaving Mildmay Oaks independent hospital in Winchfield, near Hook, but he failed to return.

It has emerged that Munden climbed over a fence and fled on foot from the hospital grounds.

Despite being sent to the hospital by a judge after being convicted of sexually touching a child and possessing indecent images of children, the hospital told the Daily Echo that it “did not deem this patient suitable for a secure setting”.

A statement from Partnership in Care (PiC), which runs the hospital, said: “With regards to the incident, PiC will conduct an inquiry into the circumstances which made it possible for the patient to leave the hospital grounds and we will take immediate steps to address any perceived security issues.

“All patients access hospital grounds when this is considered appropriate and in this case it was deemed to be so.

“Expert clinicians conduct regular and detailed risk assessments of all patients detained under the mental health act or residing in inpatient settings. This assessment determines the level of leave and the level of security patients need.

“We hope he will voluntarily respond to the police appeal and that he will choose to return to care where those needs can best be met.

“We, as well as Hampshire Constabulary, want to ensure public safety and we will work closely with the police in their efforts to achieve the patient's safe return.”

Officers have also been following up on many calls from members of the public.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Rowlandson said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to those people who have already phoned in with possible sightings and information in relation to this investigation.

“We continue to appeal for people to keep an eye out for Mr Munden and if they see him to report it to us as soon as possible.“We also make a direct appeal to Mr Munden. I know you are vulnerable, so please contact us him as soon as possible.”Anyone with information can call on 101.

The Hampshire psychiatric hospital where Munden is a patient was ordered to make urgent improvements earlier this year.

It followed a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in November which found the hospital in Winchfield run by Fairhome Care Group (WL) Limited had a “disturbing” number of violent incidents.

A total of 334 incidents of physical abuse or violence were recorded in seven months, including 272 incidents where staff were reported to have been assaulted, sometimes needing hospital treatment.