A CHEF missing from his New Milton home has been found safe and well, police said tonight.

Officers were becoming increasingly concerned for Nigel Bryan Rhys Fowler, aged 37, who had not been seen since leaving his home on Fir Avenue in New Milton at around 8am yesterday morning.

Mr Fowler left home for work - but was reported missing last night after not arriving at a restaurant in Lymington where he's employed as a chef.

This evening, police said he had been found in Southampton.