THE police helicopter was searching the Boscombe area this afternoon following reports of a concern for welfare.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing armed police with dogs surrounding Churchill Gardens. The adjacent roads were closed while police dealt with the incident.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Officers attended a concern for welfare of an individual following a call at 3.15pm.

"The individual is with officers now," they added.

The spokesperson was unable to give any further details about the incident.