THE police helicopter had to take to the skies on Saturday as a frantic search got under way to find a missing three-year-old.

Police were called just before 2pm to Leyburn Road in Blackburn following a report of a concern for safety on May 14.

It had been reported a little girl, aged about three, had walked out of a house unaccompanied and wandered off on her own.

A search was launched by Lancashire Police who were supported by the police helicopter, which hovered in the immediate area, sparking concern from residents in Mill Hill and Livesey.

One resident said: "If anyone sees a little girl wandering around Livesey, about three-years-old, please get in touch with the police. The helicopter is out looking for her too."

Luckily the child was located safe and well with another relative later on Saturday afternoon.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We were called at 1.58pm to Leyburn Road, Blackburn, following a report of a concern for safety.

"It was reported that a child had walked out of a house unaccompanied and was missing.

"Officers, with support from the National Police Air Service helicopter, attended the area.

"The child was later found with another relative safe and well."