A vulnerable missing man was found in fields near Calverton after a police drone using thermal imaging spotted him shortly before midnight.
Nottinghamshire Police officers were called to the Calverton area on Thursday after concerns were raised about the man’s welfare.
With officers believing he could be in open countryside, the force’s drone unit was called in to help search a large area of land.
The drone pilot used thermal imaging equipment to scan the fields and soon located the missing man.
Officers on the ground were then directed to his location, where he was able to receive the help and support he needed.
Sergeant Vince Saunders, chief drone pilot at Nottinghamshire Police, said: “It’s in situations like this when our drone pilots really come into their own, when time is of the essence and we really need to find someone.
“Using the thermal imaging technology at our disposal, we are quickly able to rule out large areas of land and gradually zone in on key areas of interest.
“I am pleased we were able to be of assistance in this case, and to bring this man the help and support he needed.”
Nottinghamshire Police’s drone unit operates a fleet of seven aircraft, which are used for both emergency deployments and pre-planned operations across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The drones are flown by police officers who volunteer to undertake drone shifts alongside their other duties.
