A SEARCH was under way today for a fisherman who may have been swept into the sea, police said.

Keen angler George Derbyshire, of Blackhall, County Durham, has not been seen for more than 24 hours after telling his wife yesterday he was going fishing.

The 61-year-old, who works as a security officer for digger and excavation maker Komatsu in Peterlee, was reported missing by his wife Rose late last night.

Search and rescue teams and both the police and RAF helicopters have scoured the East Durham coastline since then, but found no trace of Mr Derbyshire.

It is thought Mr Derbyshire, who was wearing a green body warmer over a green camouflage jacket, a Russian-style furry hat with ear covers, and blue jeans, had gone to either the Blackhall or Horden beaches.

He left a note for his wife to say he expected to return home by about 3pm yesterday.

He has never previously gone missing and was in a good state of health, police said.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "Last night the north east air support unit police helicopter flew along Horden and Blackhall beaches and volunteers from the coastguard searched clifftops in the area.

"This morning the search efforts resumed with an RAF Sea King and members of the Teessdale and Weardale Search and Rescue also taking part.

"However, there has been no trace either on land or in the sea of Mr Derbyshire."

Leading the search, Inspector Tony Myers said: "We are obviously extremely concerned for George's welfare. At this stage we have to keep an open mind on what may have happened, but an obvious fear is that he may have been swept out to sea.

"In the meantime we will keep on searching."