Manhunt pair 'scared by a noise'

A jacket and enough food for four days were found inside the tent

Two men who sparked a manhunt when their tent was found empty have admitted abandoning their camp after hearing a "scary" noise.

About 50 volunteers joined the search when the empty tent was found in remote Harwood Forest, near Rothbury, Northumberland, on 5 December.

Sniffer dogs and a helicopter with a thermal imaging camera were also used.

When they were traced on Saturday, the men confessed to driving away in a panic after hearing the noise.

Police had been concerned after finding a jacket and enough food for four days inside the tent.

The abandoned campsite equipment has now been returned to the men, a Northumbria Police spokesman said.