AN ELDERLY man who went missing all night in the countryside sparking a major search is recovering at home.
Police searched through the night scanning woods and fields near Dorchester for the man who is in his 80s and has health problems.
He was found the next morning by search volunteers and despite his ordeal was safe and well.
The operation highlights the work of Dorset search volunteers who give up their time to look for missing people.
The alarm was raised late at night by the man’s wife who said her husband had failed to return to the family home in Winterbourne Abbas from his evening walk with the dogs.
Police assisted by the force helicopter and dog handlers searched around the village as well as along the A35 and at nearby beauty spots until the early hours. Lanes, outbuildings and rivers were all checked and officers used thermal imaging equipment to look for heat sources.
One villager said: “There was police all over the village. Later we learnt they were searching for a man.”
The search was picked up the following morning with assistance from Dorset Search and Rescue (DorSAR) and Dorset Search Dogs, both voluntary organisations.
DorSAR search manager Dave Wraight said: “The man had gone out for a walk with his two dogs and was well dressed for the weather which was damp and miserable. He was found about 3km north west of the village beyond the Roman Road. It was one of our guys who spotted him.”
Inspector Les Fry of Dorchester police, pictured, said: “The man must have taken shelter for the night. I’m happy to say he was found safe. We are pleased with the outcome.”
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
DORSET Search and Rescue (DorSAR) is a team of highly-trained volunteers providing 24/7 cover who work with the police, coastguard and other emergency services to search for missing persons.
The organisation is looking for new members to join the team.
People should be reasonably fit, available for an acceptable proportion of the day and willing to contribute five to 10 hours a month for training.
For more information visit dorsar.org.uk
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