FEARS for a missing woman triggered a search by emergency services.

Coastguard officers carried out a search of West Bay after being alerted by the Solent Coastguard NMOC (National Maritime Operations Centre) to reports of a missing person on Saturday night.

A spokesman from West Bay Coastguard Station said: "Officers quickly headed to the station in West Bay to collect their equipment and rescue vehicle then made their way to the harbour masters area to be briefed by police.

"Officers then sent a team to carry out initial searches of the surrounding area."

Meanwhile, police carried out a search in Bridport.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "Dorset Police was called at approximately 7pm on Saturday October 26 to a report of a missing woman from Bridport aged in her 40s.

"Officers carried out searches of the area, assisted by the NPAS helicopter and HM Coastguard.

"The woman was later located at approximately 9.45pm."