POLICE and coastguard officers were yesterday searching for an elderly man who went missing from a residential care home in the New Forest.

Ralph Shawcross, pictured, 89, was last seen at Hordle Cliff House, Milford on Sea at 8pm on Sunday.

Staff discovered he was missing on Monday morning and contacted police at 9.40am. A search was under way by 11am.

A Solent Coastguard helicopter and a police spotter aircraft scoured the waters offshore while police searched the beach and cliffs.

Mr Shawcross is described as white, 5ft 8in, with brown eyes and short grey hair. He has a broad Lancashire accent and is thought to be wearing a red pullover, orange shirt and dark brown trousers.

Anyone who has seen him should contact police on 0845 045 4545.