POLICE are searching for the owner of a mobility scooter found abandoned by the water near the Twin Sails Bridge.

A helicopter and teams of searchers on both land and water were involved in an operation on Thursday afternoon.

The owner of the mobility is yet to be found, said a Dorset Police spokesperson this morning, but they added that officers had received a 'good response' from the public.

They added: "We were called at 2.02pm to reports of a concern for welfare near the Twin Sails bridge on the Hamworthy side.

"A mobility scooter was found abandoned close to the water's edge."

Coastguard officials said that searches took place on land and sea, with two crews from Poole Lifeboat also taking part. 

Inspector Derek McKerl, of Dorset Police, said: "We need to identify the owner of this mobility scooter to make sure they are OK. While there is nothing to suggest they have come to harm, the location near the water is obviously concerning, which is why we have been searching.

"Rather than anything untoward, it is possible the scooter has broken down or the owner has temporarily abandoned it. If this is the case, they are not in trouble, but we do need to hear from them as soon as possible.

"Alternatively, if you recognise the scooter in the photo and know who owns it, saw someone riding the scooter earlier today or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area on Thursday afternoon, please also get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 26:174.