A MAN who was reported missing from home has taken to hospital after he was found in a nature reserve today.

The Humber Coastguard rescue helicopter and Redcar Coastguard team were alerted to an incident at the Crowtrees Local Nature Reserve at Quarrington Hill, near Durham.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a man, who was reported missing from home who has now been found.

“He has been taken to a local hospital for treatment.”

A local man passing the scene said: “I heard the helicopter flying low and saw it land in a field in the nature reserve.

"There were a number of police vehicles, as well as an ambulance at the scene.

“The helicopter remained there for about an hour before taking off again. A local walker said they had been searching for someone.”

A spokesman for the Humber Coastguard spokesman said the Redcar Coastguard team had been called to the scene to help deal with the incident.

He said: “The first call came to ourselves shortly before 1pm. The Redcar Coastguard team were in attendance and the coastguard helicopter was on the scene shortly after 2pm.

“I can confirm that a man was taken to a local hospital for treatment by ambulance.”

A spokesman for the North East Ambulance Service said: “We were alerted at 2.50pm to attend the Quarrington Hill area where there were reports of a man being unwell.

“We despatched an ambulance and he was taken to the University of North Durham for treatment.”

There were no further details available about his condition.