A major search operation was launched this morning after a passenger was reported missing from a cross-channel ferry six miles off the coast of Dover.

Dover Coastguard was contacted just after 1.30am today after the female passenger was believed to have gone overboard from the Pride of Kent.

A head count has now been carried out and all crew and passengers have been accounted for - despite a witness insisting she saw a woman go overboard.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman Jo Rawlings said: "The Pride of Kent has arrived at Calais and a head count has been carried out.

"All crew and passengers, including the woman believed to be missing, have been accounted for safe and well.

"However, a witness on board the ferry insists they saw someone go overboard. The search involving two lifeboats from Dover and Dungeness is continuing."

As well as the lifeboats, the Coastguard helicopter and a tugboat are involved in the search.

So far, nothing has been found.

Ms Rawlings added: "We are continuing a search including two lifeboats from Dover and Dungenness until we are satisfied that we have completely saturated the area with rescue units and that we have found nothing.

"We of course want to carry on searching until we are absolutely sure that nothing is out there."