AN ABANDONED van sparked a police search in Ventnor this morning (Tuesday), involving a police helicopter.

The Ford Transit van is understood to have been involved in a crash on Newport Road last night (Tuesday), close to where it was found.

Hampshire Constabulary said they carried out inquiries to find the driver, with support from the Bournemouth-based police helicopter.

A spokesman said: "The driver of the vehicle was located after returning to the van of his own accord."