A patient who absconded from a mental health hospital had already died by the time staff alerted police to his disappearance, a court has heard.

Lee West died on the A47 at Postwick in January after being struck by two separate cars, having been walking in the middle of the dual carriageway. 

The 20-year-old from Colchester had been an inpatient at Southern Hill, a private mental health hospital in Mundesley, after being sectioned under the mental health act. 

However, less than two hours before his death he had absconded from the hospital after sneaking past a nurse and making off away from the site.

He then travelled more than 20 miles before being involved in a fatal collision with two motorists. 

An inquest into his death is being held at Norfolk Coroner's Court and is due to conclude this week.

The court heard that by the time staff at the hospital alerted police to his disappearance, the tragic crash had already happened.

Mr West had left the facility at shortly after 8pm on January 20, triggering staff to carry out searches in the local area for him.

But the inquest was told that it was not until 11.49pm, nearly four hours later, that a member of staff phoned the police to inform them Mr West had left the site unescorted.

By this point, Mr West had already travelled across the county and ended up in the collision, which occurred at 9.57pm.

Previously, the court had heard that the delays in alerting the police had been caused by a series of miscommunications between workers at the hospital.

Mr West had been receiving mental health care in Norfolk for two weeks prior to his death, having been transferred to the region due to a lack of available beds in Essex.

The inquest continues.

Do you need support? Samaritans can be reached 24/7 by calling 116 123. Alternatively, the NHS First Response Service is available on 111 selecting the mental health option.