A POLICE helicopter search was launched in Purbeck earlier today after a man with learning difficulties ran away from his carers.

The search was carried out around Greenland in Studland after staff at the Hampshire care home reported their concern for the man’s welfare to police. Meanwhile, staff at Wytch Farm oil field nearby reported sightings of a suspicious male in his mid-30s to police.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “At 4.19pm we received calls that a vulnerable man, who was out in the area with carers, ran away into woodland near Ferry Road. We shortly after received reports of a possible sighting of the male via staff at Wytch Farm.

“Based on the sightings that staff provided, an NPAS helicopter was deployed. A large search was carried out due to it being a rural area, and a search of Studland beach was also conducted.

“During the search we received information at 5.14pm that the male had been located within the Wytch Farm premises by security personnel.”

He added: “Staff looked after him until police arrived and he was reunited with his carers. It was a successful conclusion, albeit a lengthy one.”