A POLICE helicopter was called to search for two ‘vulnerable’ missing women last night.

Duty Inspector Conrad Tapp said Lancashire police received a call at around 10.30pm to report the women missing from the Burnley Lane area of Accrington.

The National Police Air Service mobilised a helicopter from its base in Warton, near Preston, and discovered the women 25 minutes later in woodland off Manchester Road, Hapton.

DI Tapp said the women, aged 18 and 23, had a history of mental illness and self-harm.

He said: “The helicopter was up as we were concerned for the safety of the two females reported missing from home.

“Fortunately we found both of them safe and well pretty quickly thanks to the helicopter.”