Thermal camera finds missing man in undergrowth

THE Devon and Cornwall police helicopter was used to locate an elderly man who was reported missing in the Torrington area yesterday (Thursday) afternoon.

The helicopter assisted a search after the man, who has not been named, was reported missing by his family and the dog he had been walking was found running loose in the town.

As the weather conditions deteriorated, officers began a search.

The helicopter crew monitored the incident and went to the town from their base at police headquarters in Exeter.

Concentrating on the open areas around the town, the crew used thermal imaging, stabilised binoculars and a specialist camera to search the paths and river area leading away from the town.

Using the helicopter’s thermal camera, they located the man in thick undergrowth and officers on the ground were guided to where he was found safe and well. The man was taken home by officers and reunited with his family.