A VULNERABLE man with learning difficulties sparked a major police search when he escaped from his carers, in Oswaldtwistle.

The Asian man, who is said to have the mental age of a three- year-old, is believed to have climbed out of a car window while it was parked in the West End area of the town, and made off on foot towards fields near Thwaites Road, at about 3.15pm, on Monday

The Lancashire Police helicopter was brought in, as well as patrol cars and as many available officers as possible on foot patrol, as there was concern for the safety of the man, who is believed to be a resident at a care home in Whalley Road, Accrington.

The man was found a short time later, safe and well in the Stanhill Road area of Oswaldtwistle.

Pc Saj Mahmood, a community beat manager for Oswaldtwistle, said: "Obviously because this man had severe learning difficulties we had to get everybody who was available out

"He was found safe and well in the Stanhill Road area by one of the patrols."