A police helicopter has been spotted circling over Broken Scar in Darlington - leaving residents concerned about what the emergency service are searching for at the nature spot.

Residents in the Darlington area may have seen the emergency vehicle making its way over the town at around 11am on Friday (November 11).  

The helicopter was seen hovering over the weir section of Broken Scar, before travelling up towards Stanhope and circling back around near Darlington town centre. 

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During the helicopter's journey, many people took to social media to question why the helicopter was in Darlington, with one user writing: "The helicopter is hovering overhead, I hope everyone is okay," while another added: "I'm hoping everything is okay in Darlington". 

The sight of the police helicopter comes a day after the vehicle of missing local man John Holmes was last seen in the Broken Scar area. 

Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the 71-year-old who has been missing since yesterday morning (November 10).

John is described as around 5ft 11in, of large build, bald, has a grey beard and wears glasses.

His vehicle was last seen in the Broken Scar area of Darlington and officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen him in that neighbourhood.

Anyone who is able to offer information is asked to contact 101, quoting incident number 144 of November 10.

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