A MASSIVE land and air search was launched in Pendle after a depressed 28-year-old man went missing after taking a large number of paracetamol tablets.

Police and Rossendale Search and Rescue team helped in the hunt.

The police helicopter also checked open land and moors in the Colne and Trawden areas.

Sgt John Fryer said: "The man left his home in Colne on Saturday morning in a depressed state and having taken a large quantity of the tablets.

"We were alerted by his parents and obviously shared their concern for his safety.''

It was thought that the man, who is a keen walker, may have gone to a quiet spot in the Trawden area.

Two police dogs, two dogs from the search and rescue unit and about 20 police and team members helped in the search.

At about 3.15pm the man returned home.

He said he had been walking over the tops to Barnoldswick.

He was seen by paramedics and was taken to hospital for treatment.

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