A major multi-agency search was launched at a popular East Lothian walking spot on Tuesday night.
Police, ambulance crews, a search and rescue helicopter and local coastguard teams were scrambled to North Berwick Law at around 6pm after a ‘light’ was seen falling from a distance.
The coastguard helicopter from Prestwick circled the hill and used thermal imaging in an attempt to trace a potential casualty as North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team joined the search.
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Police Scotland issued a statement on social media confirming no reports of anyone injured in the area were received and a multi-agency search of the hill was ongoing.
North Berwick Coastguard team later issued more information on social media confirming the incident was reported in good faith and a runner was reportedly seen in the area shortly before the call was made.
Posting on Facebook the team said: “About 1830hours, Tuesday 7th January 2025, North Berwick CRT, alongside Dunbar Coastguard, Police Scotland East Lothian, Scottish Ambulance Service and Borders Search and Rescue team were tasked to North Berwick Law following report(s) of a light having fallen from height.
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“Coastguard Teams were on scene and deployed within 15 minutes of tasking. A hasty search was conducted by Coastguard Teams on foot prior to the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, Rescue 199, attending from Prestwick, to support with thermal imaging.
“Nothing was found, no persons have been reported missing and further enquiries place a runner in the general vicinity at the material time. The incident has been reported in good faith and showcases the inter service abilities of our local emergency services.
“Coastguard rescue team’s primary service areas are coastal, however, when requested we can provide our specialist skills in search, rope rescue and casualty evacuation inland also. If you see someone or something on the coastline, harbours or water you are concerned about, dial 999 and ask for COASTGUARD. If in doubt call.”
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A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “We were made aware of concerns raised about a light seen on North Berwick Law around 6.20pm on Tuesday, 7 January.
“No one has been reported missing and we have no reports of anyone injured in the area. A multi-agency search of the hill and surrounding area is currently ongoing.”