RESCUE services have scaled back a search for a man who has gone missing from an oil platform in the North Sea.

Police Scotland received a report around 9.20pm on Tuesday, 9 May, that the 49-year-old man could not be located on board the Noble Lloyd Noble installation,located in the Mariner Field approximately 90 miles (150km) east of Shetland.

Following initial searches of the installation, a rescue effort involving a helicopter, the Coastguard, two supply vessels and a platform supply vessel began.

Rescue vessels are continuing to search, but the main effort has now ended. A team of officers led by Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson has flown offshore to carry out inquiries and assist the installation.

Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson said: "An extensive search has been carried out which has involved a search and rescue helicopter as well as standby vessels and a platform supply vessel.

"The next of kin of the man have been informed of the ongoing inquiries and further information will be made available to the public when we have it. There are no apparent suspicious circumstances."

Noble Drilling, which operates the rig on behalf of Statoil, said it had mobilised emergency response teams to help in the search.

A spokesman added: "Statoil vessels have been involved in an extensive search of the water surrounding the rig and together we will continue to do everything we can to support the ongoing search effort.

"Our priorities are the safety of all the personnel on board, assisting in the search operation for the missing person and supporting next of kin and colleagues of the missing person.

"All operations have been stood down on the rig."

Noble Lloyd Noble is one of the world’s largest jack-up drilling rigs. It started production drilling on the Mariner field last December. Up to five wells will be drilled on the field before the Mariner A platform hook up and commissioning activity starts in the summer. First oil from Mariner is expected in 2018.