A POLICE manhunt was launched in Weymouth with the police helicopter supporting officers on the ground searching for a person.

An investigation was launched on Wednesday after a man failed to attend court. Enquiries led officers to the Louviers Road area of Littlemoor where they attempted to make an arrest.

A Dorset Police spokesman added: “The arrest was unsuccessful and officers are now looking for someone in the general area of Weymouth who is wanted on an arrest warrant.”

Officers were still at the scene in the afternoon and the police helicopter was called in to assist with the search for the man.

No arrests were made. Officers said that the manhunt continues today. (Thursday)

This evening, officers said that the arrest warrant was still active and “enquiries are still ongoing”.

A local resident, who did not wish to be named, witnessed a number of police cars in the Littlemoor area during the afternoon.

He said: “There was a lot of police cars. It seemed like one per road and the police helicopter was overhead.”

Weymouth resident Gillian Bowditch said: “It was hovering up above the Littlemoor roundabout area and was static from the time I came over the Ridgeway to the time I got to the Morrisons roundabout.

“I was wondering why it was there and was concerned as to why.”

Denise McCoy, of the Sue Ryder store in Littlemoor, said she heard the police helicopter and went to look.

She added: “First of all, it was hovering up towards the bottom of Louviers Road. I only saw the one police car. They parked out by the Co-op.
“It is unusual to see them around lately.”

A member of staff from Daniel’s Fish and Chips said: “The helicopter was up across the back [of the shop].

“The police were here with flashing lights.”