Police have explained why a helicopter was circling south Bristol for hours on Thursday night (March 18).
Several residents in Knowle and other southern areas of the city reported hearing a helicopter flying shortly after 7.30pm and continued to circle for almost an hour.
In a statement to Bristol Live, Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they were supported by the National Police Air Service to help their search across south Bristol on Thursday night. Officers were using the helicopter to help them locate a missing person.
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The force said: "The National Police Air Service helicopter supported officers in south Bristol who were looking for a missing person yesterday evening, Thursday 17 March. Thankfully officers have now made contact with the individual who had been reported missing."
NPAS carries out a variety of tasks for police forces, such as searching for high risk missing people, injured people and for people where there is a serious concern for their safety and wellbeing, according to their website.
To meet the criteria to receive air support, police officers have to demonstrate that there is a significant level of threat, risk or harm and that a police helicopter is required to support police officers on the ground in their response.
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