A MAJOR search is taking place for a man who has gone missing in the Swanage area.

Nicholas Poole, who is 32 years old, was last seen in a layby on Ulwell Road at around 12.30pm today.

He is described as white, six feet one inch tall and of skinny build. He has short black hair and wears glasses.

Police say he was last seen wearing black cargo work trousers, a grey or black polo shirt with a Water Search & Rescue logo and a hi-vis jacket.

Chief Inspector Steve Yeoman, of Dorset Police, said: “We are very concerned for Nicholas’ welfare as we believe he is very upset.

“Officers, supported by DorSAR and the coastguard, are searching the area in an effort to find him urgently. However as we don’t know exactly where Nicholas might have walked toward, this area could be very large and we are hoping the public can help us.

“We would like to hear from anyone who might have spotted Nicholas since he was last seen.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Nicholas' whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 14:241.