A POLICE helicopter was called in to help with a 'large area search' of Port Glasgow for a suspected drink or drug driver who crashed a car and fled.

The aircraft was scrambled to assist officers on the ground following a report that a grey-coloured Ford Ka was being driven through the town by an intoxicated man.

The vehicle ploughed into a fence on Iona Road and was found abandoned there.

Officers were first alerted to the incident at 5.15pm yesterday and the search for the man continues today.

However, they are said to be following a positive line of enquiry.

Sergeant Jason Logsdon, of Greenock police, said: "A number of police resources including road policing and helicopter were requested and attended in order to trace the suspect.

"A large area search was conducted however the suspect had since fled."

Information should be passed to the police on the 101 number, quoting incident 2916 of 20 May, or anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.