A MAJOR search was launched to find a missing man believed to be armed with a pistol.

The search operation began yesterday afternoon comprising 30 police officers and 10 Dorset Search & Rescue (DorSAR) volunteers who scoured the ground at Hardy’s Monument, near Portesham.

They were searching for 55-year-old Nicholas Crocker who has been missing since Wednesday and is believed to have a pistol in his possession.

Dorset Police said they were becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.

Mr Crocker, from Weymouth, was reported missing just after 9am on Wednesday morning after last been seen at 6.30am.

The search yesterday was triggered after a man matching Mr Crocker’s description was spotted earlier in the day at the entrance of Hardy’s Monument.

Mr Crocker is described as white, between 5ft 7in and 5ft 8in, and of a stocky build and has receding white and grey hair and white stubble.

He has a tattoo of antlers on the back of one hand and one on his forearm.

When he was last seen, he was wearing green camouflage trousers and T-Shirt, a navy blue fleece and black boots.

Superintendent Mike Rogers from Dorset Police said: “We are very concerned for Nicholas’s safety as this behaviour is completely out of character.

“Nicholas is a licensed firearms holder and our enquiries suggest that a pistol is outstanding.

“It is possible that Nicholas is in possession of this firearm, which he is licensed to own.”

Supt Rogers asked members of the public to get in touch straight away if they saw the missing man. He added: “While there is absolutely no suggestion of any risk to members of the public, we would still ask that Nicholas is not approached.

“Any sightings of a man fitting his description should be reported to Dorset Police urgently.

“It is essential that we find Nicholas so that we can make sure that he is safe and well – anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should call us as soon as possible.”

During the operation yesterday the high-scale search was run from a temporary control room near the monument as officers fanned out covering the vast woodland and heath.

Landowner Andrew Duke, who owns part of Blackdown, turned up to see what was happening along with passers-by who witnessed the commotion.

A friend of Mr Crocker’s, who wished not to be named, drove to the site to see what was happening.

He said: “I know him because I have a workshop near his stables but I don’t know what caused this or why he would go.

“From my point of view it’s quite out of the ordinary for him and I have known him for the past 10 years. Maybe he’s just having five minutes.”

Detective Sergeant Steve Broadhurst of Weymouth CID: “The physical search was called off at 7pm due to failing light and for the safety of officers.

“However, there will be other search carried out overnight including the use of the force helicopter with heat-seeking equipment.”

DS Broadhurst said the search was due to recommence this morning with police working alongside DorSAR volunteers.

He said the focus of the search remained the area around Hardy’s Monument.

If you have any information on the missing man contact Dorset Police on 101.

Can you help?

Did you see the commotion at Hardy’s Monument yesterday? Or do you know the missing man? If so contact the Echo newsdesk on 01305 830999 or email newsdesk@ dorsetecho.co.uk