Rescuers took part in the search. Photo: Keswick MRT

A search for a man missing in the Lake District was called off after police found evidence he might have left the area.

Three mountain rescue teams were involved in the hunt for 68-year-old David Brown after his car and camping equipment were found, apparently abandoned, in Borrowdale.

Mr Brown, originally from Shetland, had been camping at Chapel House Farm, Stonethwaite. Cumbria Constabulary said his car and belongings had been left at the campsite and he had not been seen sice 30 January.

Police said they were concerned for his welfare.

David Brown had been camping at the site at Stonethwaite

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out at 9.30am on Friday and members were joined by colleagues from the Penrith and Cockermouth teams, searching footpaths, fields and wooded areas for a period of three hours within about a mile radius of the campsite.

When the new information was discovered by police, the teams were stood down.