A search operation got under way on both sides of the Irish Sea at the weekend after a man went missing from a ferry between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The 52-year-old got on the Stena ferry in Belfast at 1745 GMT on Friday and it arrived in Stranraer just after 2100 GMT.

But the alarm was raised after it became clear that the man, who is thought to come from Northern Ireland, was no longer on board.

A major air and sea rescue mission was launched by the coastguard and the RAF.

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Three lifeboats, two helicopters and a plane were involved in the search operation along the ferry's route.

That search was called off early on Saturday morning but follow-up searches were carried out in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The man is described as being 5ft 11in, of stocky build with short, receding, greying hair.

He was last seen wearing a dark top, dark jeans and white training shoes.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Stranraer police on 01776 702 112.