Police have called off their search for a man with severe learning disabilities who disappeared from his caravan home in a North Yorkshire village.

Paul Smith, 31, went missing from his caravan in Burn, near Selby, on Wednesday morning, sparking a search involving a police helicopter, tracker dogs and mountain rescue teams.

Police had grown increasingly concerned for Mr Smith, who is said to be extremely vulnerable and does not have his epilepsy medication.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The incident commander, Inspector Ken Gill, reports that he has reviewed the search parameters and there is no useful purpose in continuing the search."

The search, which initially concentrated on Burn airfield but was later widened and included house-to-house inquiries in neighbouring villages, was called off at 6pm on Saturday.

Mr Smith, who lived alone, is described as 5ft 9ins tall, stocky with brown eyes, short black hair, long sideburns and a tan.

He was wearing a brown fleece jacket, black jeans and turquoise jumper. He usually wears a silver cross.

Anyone with information should call police in Selby on 01757 702596.

Updated: 08:48 Monday, January 29, 2001