EMERGENCY services were involved in extensive late-night coastal searches involving the use of the police helicopter.

The coastguard reported being called to assist police officers on Portland at 9pm on Sunday, February 12 with crews from Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team and Portland Bill CRT both attending the incident.

A police helicopter was used during the searches, which began in the Weston area at about 9.20pm. It is understood that the searches were not 'at sea'.

The incident was resolved shortly after the arrival of the coastguard.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "HM Coastguard assisted Dorset Police with an incident in Portland last night, February 12.

"Coastguard Rescue Teams from Portland Bill and Wyke Regis were conducting searches in the area from 9.20pm."

A spokesperson for Portland Bill CRT said: "Team tasked by Solent Coastguard along with Wyke Coastguard CRT to assist Weymouth & Portland Police and the NPAS Helicopter, with an incident on Portland.

"Shortly after arriving on scene the teams were stood down as the incident had been resolved by Police."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "At 8.41pm on Sunday 12 February 2023, Dorset Police received a report of a missing man on Portland. Officers, supported by the NPAS helicopter, searched the area and the man was located."