Gillette was last seen wearing a red hooded coat

A woman convicted of murder has gone on the run during an escorted visit to the shops in south London.

Patricia Gillette, 41, from Streatham, south London, was detained indefinitely in 2007 for killing Mark Murphy, 38, at his home in Streatham in August 2006.

Gillette, who was being held at Bethlem Royal Hospital, was on a visit to shops in West Wickham High Street, Bromley, when she escaped on Friday afternoon.

Police described her as "dangerous" and warned people not to approach her.

Det Supt Gary Gornell said: "This individual is dangerous and we need to apprehend her as soon as possible. If anyone sees her, please don't approach her, but call police immediately."

Gillette is of large build, has moles under both eyes, a scar on the left side of her neck and another scar on her left ear, police said.

She was last seen wearing a red hooded coat, a blue jeans shirt, black jogging bottoms and black shoes.