A violent mental health patient who stabbed an off-licence manager to death is still on the run, more than a week after absconding from a psychiatric unit in Epsom.

As the nationwide search for Laszlo Varga intensified, police warned the public he is "potentially very dangerous" without his medication.

Mr Varga, 68, a Hungarian national, told staff at the Horton Haven community home that he was visiting friends in south-west London.

The knifeman failed to return and was last seen at 8.25am last Tuesday about to board a train at Epsom station.

Yesterday morning police officers renewed their witness appeal by handing out leaflets to passengers.

Detective Inspector Mark Daughters, leading the inquiry, said Mr Varga wore a flamboyant red shirt that marked him out from the commuter crowd.

"He was also carrying three bags and it is likely that he would have bumped into people if the platform was busy, or as he was getting on or off a train," he said.

All ports and airports are on alert for Mr Varga, who may be posing as Lou Grant, hard-nosed city editor of the Los Angeles Tribune in the fictitious US television series.

Two years ago, Mr Varga was released on a life licence to the open-door unit in Haven Drive for a murder committed in 1968.

Anyone who sees a man matching his description is advised not to approach him but to dial 999.