West Midlands Police said a man, who had been arrested in relation to a shop theft, was receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham when he escaped their custody.
The 32-year-old is also wanted on recall to prison.
The incident happened at 9.30am this morning (August 3), with officers currently searching for the man.
In a statement, West Midlands Police said: “Shortly after 9.30am today (Sun), a man who had been arrested has escaped from lawful custody while receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
“Officers are currently searching for the 32-year-old who is wanted on recall to prison and is suspected of shop theft.
“People with information about his whereabouts should contact us by ringing 999 quoting log number 658 of 3 August.”