Psychiatric detainee flees in Murray swim

A man serving a 12-month order at a Victorian psychiatric centre has fled by jumping into the Murray River and swimming to the opposite bank.

Darren Higgins, 25, was on accompanied leave from Vahland House in Bendigo when he jumped into the river at 8pm on Friday, police say.

He was last seen in the Barmah Forest wearing black tracksuit pants and white t-shirt.

Higgins has been serving a 12-month treatment order for assault and property offences.

They are urging the public not to approach him.