A police operation is underway to find a missing East Sussex businessman whose car was found abandoned at a beauty spot.

Fears were growing for Colin Lines, 60, as his black P-reg Ford Mondeo was discovered at Fairlight Country Park, Hastings.

Mr Lines, of Silverhill, St Leonards, vanished on Saturday morning, sparking concern from his family who said it was totally out of character.

An extensive search has been carried out at the country park using bloodhound dogs while the coastguard and police helicopter conducted a sweep of the cliff line.

However, a police spokesman said Mr Lines, who was believed to have been troubled by business issues, was this morning still missing and urgently appealed for information on his whereabouts.

Grey-haired Mr Lines was last seen wearing a dark blue jumper with a light blue shirt underneath, plus black trousers and shoes.

Anyone with information should call Hastings police on 0845 6070 999 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.