OFFICERS are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a missing man believed to be in Swanage. 

Officers were alerted at 4.17pm on September 12 to a missing persons report for James Whitney, 48 who was last seen since 1pm in Swanage. 

There has since been an update on this incident - see our story here 

James' vehicle was found in Ulwell Road.

He is described as 6ft 1in tall with short grey hair and a beard. 

HM Coastguard, an NPAS helicopter and Dorset Search and Rescue have all been involved in the search.

James was last seen wearing a plain black t-shirt, dark-coloured denim jeans and Adidas jeans.

Inspector Craig Tiernan, of Dorset Police, said: “It is out of character for James to not be in contact with his family or friends and we are concerned for his welfare.

“We have been carrying out searches overnight, assisted by the NPAS helicopter, HM Coastguard and Dorset Search and Rescue (DorSAR).

“I am appealing to anyone who has seen James, or a man matching the description given, to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to James' whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 12:401.