THE SEARCH for a man missing in Hampshire continues today.

Police are continuing their search for a 25-year-old man from Southampton.

The operation started last night after a helicopter was launched over a stretch of Hampshire river and nearby roads.

Residents living in St Denys, Bitterne Park and Bitterne Manor heard the helicopter circling in the skies above their homes.

A spokeswoman from Hampshire Constabulary said: “Police have a number of strong lines of enquiries which they are following up today. At this time police do not require a wider appeal for information.”

One person told the Daily Echo last night that officers on foot were carrying flash lights and could also be seen around the banks of the River Itchen close to Vespasian Road while the helicopter appeared to head up river towards Riverside Park.

Hampshire Search and Rescue confirmed that the search finished at about midnight.

Earlier yesterday evening the helicopter was also seen close to the Itchen Bridge.

Hampshire police last night said they were dealing with a "concern for welfare" relating to the man.

A spokesman in the force control room said there was no risk to any member of the public.