POLICE Scotland have revealed why a force helicopter was seen and heard above New Cumnock in the early hours of Tuesday.

Officers say the helicopter was deployed as part of a search for a missing person.

Thankfully, the individual has been traced safe and well, police have said.

Residents admitted hearing and seeing the helicopter with its search light shining between 10.30pm and 1am last night and this morning.

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Rumours had circulated about what the helicopter could be looking for, with many concerned that someone was missing.

Others thought that it might be put looking for a criminal of some sort.

However, police confirmed to the Chronicle that helicopter was searching for a missing person, who has since been found.