POLICE sent a helicopter along with officers to search for a suicidal man in woodland.

The force spent around one and a half hours looking for the man in Stanmer Park woods, Brighton, after receiving a report by someone concerned for his welfare on Saturday night.

Two police cars were parked at the entrance of the woods while one was in the middle of the road in Coldean Lane, with officers being called at around 8.30pm.

An onlooker who works in the All In One takeaway opposite said a man came into the shop asking staff if they had seen a "big, tall, bald man" and informed them that he had called police.

A force spokesman said they received reports over concern for the welfare of a "suicidal male" and confirmed a helicopter was sent. The man was unharmed and is now "in the care of the NHS".