Local residents were woken from their beds by the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter conducting an apparent search in the skies above Ryde earlier this morning (Saturday).
At just gone 05:00 the Bournemouth-based helicopter started circling the town in what appears to have been a suspect search.
Island Echo could not locate any Police activity on the ground.
NPAS remained on scene for 30 minutes before flying westward.
Further reports have been received that the helicopter is now conducting a search of the Totland area.
Further information is expected later this morning.
