The wife of a diver who disappeared off the Kent coast has asked to be allowed to grieve after the search for her missing husband was called off.

Father-of-three Ben Moss, from Faversham, went missing between Walmer and St Margaret's-at-Cliffe yesterday morning, sparking a huge search and rescue operation.

Mr Moss was thought to have been diving with a partner to a wreckage near the patrol memorial at St Margaret's-at-Cliffe when he vanished.

Police have since confirmed they are investigating the circumstances of his disappearance.

This afternoon, his wife Rosie updated her Facebook appeal to say: "Thank you so much for all your kindness and support. Sadly the search has been terminated.

"Please allow us to grieve. Ben darling I miss you."

She had earlier issued a heartwrenching appeal for help on the page.

She said: "This is a desperate plea. My husband and my babies’ Daddy is missing. He was last seen scuba diving off the Dover coast at 11.30am yesterday.

"Please please look for him if you or anyone you know are out on the water or by the coast."

Coastguard and lifeboat crews and the search and rescue helicopter spent most of yesterday scouring the coast.

The search, which resumed at midday today, involved coastguard rescue teams from Margate and Deal, and RNLI lifeboats from Walmer.

Mayday relay broadcasts were being made every half an hour to alert shipping in the area to remain vigilant as they travel through the Dover Straits and inshore areas.

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Moss's disappearance, and are supporting the family.