POLICE called in a helicopter amid concerns for the safety of a missing man.

The man, who is aged about 60, went missing from his home in Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone, on Saturday at about 5.30pm.

His family raised the alarm and Maidstone and Malling police officers on the ground called for air support to search for him.

Kent Police do not have a helicopter and so a general appeal was issued to neighbouring forces for support. This was answered by Essex Police, whose helicopter arrived in the area at about 10.25pm.

Officers on board used infra-red equipment to sweep the area for signs of the man.

At about 11.40pm, he was discovered unconscious in thick undergrowth in the Otham Lane area, and was taken to Maidstone Hospital. He later regained consciousness and was not thought to be in danger.