A Tolworth woman waited anxiously this week for news of her missing epileptic husband as police divers, officers, dogs and a helicopter searched for him in vain.

Sefa Antwi, 40, black and 5ft 4in tall, went missing in the early hours of Saturday after failing to return to Tolworth Hospital where he was being treated.

The father-of-three, admitted to hospital after suffering four severe fits last week but let out for a few hours, was in a confused state of mind when last seen by his wife at about 12.45am on October 20 at their home in School Lane.

As the Comet went to press on Thursday, Mr Antwi was still missing and his wife, Margaret, said: I wish I had a clue where he was. It is very worrying, although I must admit the police have been very good.

The couple have three children, aged nine, 11 and 14, who are staying with a friend, and dont yet know their father is missing.

In the anxious wait to discover her husbands whereabouts, Mrs Antwi, a tea lady, feels more could have been done to prevent him disappearing.

Upset she was not given more instructions by the hospital on how to cope with her husband, she said: The hospital hasnt explained it to me. I havent got help from anywhere.

Mr Antwi needs to take his medication three times a day but, after speaking to his GP, his wife thinks he had not been taking it which could have led to the severe fits last week.

She said: I asked him why he was not taking it and he said he thought the dose was too high, that it was giving him side effects. If even just once a week someone could check that he has taken his medication it would help.

Mr Antwi left the house with no money and no means of transport.

The Comet was awaiting a comment from Tolworth Hospital at the time of going to press.

If you have seen Mr Antwi, who is of stocky build with a grey beard and was wearing a light blue denim shirt and brown corduroy trousers, call Kingston police on 020 8247 5121.

By.Cato Pedder