A nursery went into lockdown while police conducted a search for a missing man.

Officers are trying to find Steven McKay, 35, from Cliftonville who was last seen at around 7am today.

His last known location was in the Norfolk Road area and police were searching throughout the area including in woodland at the Port Regis pre-school in Broadstairs.

Mr McKay is described as being white, 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build, with brown hair and speaks with a Scottish accent.

When he went missing, Steven was wearing a black hooded top, tracksuit bottoms and dark trainers.

Sgt Mark Sankey from the Thanet Local Policing Team said: "Our officers have completed numerous enquiries in the area to try to find Steven and we are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.

"I would urge anybody that sees him or knows where he may be to call the appeal line immediately."

Parents were told they could not pick up their children as pre-school managers decided to close the doors while police searched the grounds earlier this afternoon.

Police say the nursery's decision to close was not based on any advice from officers and no members of the public were at risk during the operation.

The school declined to comment.

Anybody with information that may help should call Kent Police on 101 quoting reference 05-0323 or independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.