A MAN who went missing from Verwood has returned home safely, police have said.

Ian Church, 45, was reported missing after he was last seen at 6.45pm on Tuesday. 

Searches were carried out by officers, with assistance from the NPAS helicopter and Dorset Search and Rescue (DorSAR).

In an update, police said Ian had returned home this morning.

A spokesperson thanked members of the public who shared their appeal.