Eerie photos show abandoned mental asylum 'stalked by ghosts' left to rot for 20 years

The former Meanwood Park Hospital in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was developed as a 'colony for the mentally deficient' more than a century ago - but is now in a state of disrepair

These chilling photos reveal the remnants of a deserted mental asylum that has been abandoned for over two decades. Meanwood Park Hospital, nestled within 178 acres of expansive grounds, first opened its doors to patients 105 years ago.

However, the former sanatorium - established as a 'colony for the mentally deficient' on the fringes of Leeds, West Yorkshire - has now severely deteriorated.

Eerie recent images expose what remains inside the main hall, known as the 'mansion', including its decaying walls, vacant cupboards and deceased wild animals.

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The site has since become a hotspot for ghost hunters - with even staff and inmates reportedly spotting a 'grey lady' haunting the corridors when it was still operational.

The hospital's inaugural patient was Frank Tottie who arrived at the facility in August 1919 at the age of ten after the Leeds Corporation leased and then purchased the building.

He remained there for the subsequent 60 years until his death in November 1979.

The hospital, notorious for its strict regime, initially accommodated around 90 patients, but later more 'villas' were constructed to house over 800.

The local authority was initially responsible for its maintenance before the NHS assumed control of the hospital in 1948.

It finally shut down in the late 1990s and has since drawn the attention of numerous intrigued ghost hunters and explorers.