UPDATED: A large number of Police officers are this evening conducting a search of the Noke Common area for a missing local man.
Richard Freeman (pictured) has gone missing from his home on Noke Common road, sparking a major search operation which has included the National Air Support Helicopter from Sussex and a local Dog Support Unit.
The disappearance is said to be very unusual behaviour for Richard.
Up to 9 Police vehicles have been present on the scene and have been witnessed to proceed to the rear of a detached bungalow which backs on to dense woodland.
WightSAR have also been deployed to the incident.
UPDATE @ 22:00 – Island Echo understand the search has been called off as information has been received to suggest that the Mr Freeman has left the Island via Wightlink’s Yarmouth-Lymington ferry.
UPDATE SATURDAY @ 09:00 – Despite other local media reports, it has been confirmed that Mr Freeman has not been located.
UPDATE MONDAY @ 16:20: Mr Freeman has been successfully found safe and well, it has been confirmed.