The Eurocopter EC135 helicopter is based at Durham Tees Valley airport, and supports numerous areas of operational policing.

The aircraft is equipped with thermal imaging cameras for locating criminals and missing people. It is a known fact that it takes the equivalent of 454 officer hours to search an area that a helicopter can do in 12 minutes.

The helicopter is also able to provide crucial video footage as well which is vital in directing officers and other emergency services during major incidents.

This technology also enables the police to capture evidence effectively and safely, in particular around vehicle pursuits, which means potentially dangerous pursuits can be reduced and evidence obtained that convicts offenders.

The helicopter may also be called on to transport people with life threatening injuries to hospital, when the air ambulance is unavailable.

Want to know what the helicopter has been doing in your area? Check out Helicopter Watch