COASTGUARDS and police teamed up for two separate searches in west Dorset for people who went missing within a few hours of each other.

Both people, who rescuers believed could have harmed themselves, turned up safe and well following intensive searches of the coastline using helicopters and ground teams.

The alarm was first raised in Lyme Regis on Wednesday lunchtime when a 22-year-old man described as ‘vulnerable’ was reported missing by his family.

The man is known to walk the cliffs and there were fears he could come to harm.

The Portland Coastguard helicopter was diverted from training to help with the search.

Units were stood down just after 4pm when the man turned up unharmed, apart from a few bramble scratches.

Rescuers were back in action at night when a 42-year-old man, thought to be suicidal, left his home. His worried partner raised the alarm at 10.40pm and thought he might be heading for the cliffs.

Portland Bill Coastguards assisted Dorset Police and the coastguard helicopter was also used, as well as the police helicopter, to search the east side of the island.

The search was stood down at midnight when the man was found safe at another address.