Police Dog Tracks Down Missing Man On Isle Of Wight

A police dog has helped find a vulnerable man who became trapped in thick brambles on the Isle of Wight.

The search began in the Rookley area after concerns were raised for the welfare of a man in his 80s.

He had reportedly appeared confused and was shouting for help while temperatures reached the high 20s.

After a member of the public stopped to speak to him, the man was unable to communicate coherently and then wandered away.

Police Dog Bella and her handler, PC Gemma Johnson, were brought in to assist with the search.

Bella picked up a scent and tracked the man for almost a mile, leading officers along a bridleway, through woodland and across three fields.

She eventually led officers to a field beside Long Lane, where the missing man was found in thick brambles in a far corner.

He had fallen and become wedged in the undergrowth, leaving him unable to free himself.

By the time he was located, he was showing signs of dehydration.

The man was rescued and taken to hospital as a precaution.

Police have praised the partnership between Bella and PC Johnson, saying their teamwork, including the handler's ability to interpret Bella's behaviour, played a crucial role in finding him.