Search for missing academic

A coastguard helicopter is involved in the search

A search along the north coast of Northern Ireland for a leading Belfast academic has ended for the day.

Professor Stephen Livingstone, who is a keen walker, was last seen at his home in Cyprus Gardens, in the east of the city, on Saturday.

It is believed the 43-year-old then drove to Dunseverick Castle between Bushmills and Ballycastle in County Antrim.

About 20 police and coastguard personnel concentrated Monday's search on the area between White Park Bay and Benmore Head.

Mr Livingstone is currently Director of the Human Rights Centre at Queen's University Belfast and is also a member of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

Ian Murdoch of the Belfast Coastguard said the search would be stepped up on Tuesday.

"We'll have the North West mountain rescue and police mountain rescue involved," he said.

"We are putting in the police fixed-wing aircraft and if conditions allow, Portrush lifeboat and of course the coastguard teams.

"We reckon there will be 50 to 60 people involved in the search."