The search for a firefighter who went missing during a charity swim in the English Channel has been called off.

Iain Hughes started the 21-mile challenge from Dover on Tuesday with a support boat.

But the 42-year-old came into difficulty approaching France, prompting a huge international search.

The married father-of-two, from Dudley, is based at Wednesbury fire station with the team’s Technical Rescue Unit.

In a statement, his colleagues at West Midlands Fire Service said: “We are heartbroken to confirm that one of our Crew Managers, Iain Hughes, is missing after his inspiring attempt to swim the English Channel for charity.

“Yesterday evening (Tuesday), we learned that Iain had been missing for several hours.

“In spite of search efforts involving French and Belgian military helicopters, plus navy and police patrol boats, Iain’s whereabouts remain unknown.

“French authorities have confirmed the search has now ended.”

Chief fire officer, Wayne Brown, said: “Iain’s disappearance is unspeakably sad.

“We are giving Iain’s family all the support we can at this distressing time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone close to Iain.

“He is a highly-respected and much-loved colleague and friend to many.”

The rescue operation included the deployment of the Dauphin helicopter of the French Navy, based in Le Touquet, and the Belgian NH90 helicopter, based in Coxyde, Belgium.

The Flamant public service patrol boat of the French Navy as well as the maritime surveillance coastal launch (VCSM) Aber Ildut of the Maritime Gendarmerie were also called in to help.

The VCSM Aber Ildut of the Maritime Gendarmerie and the all-weather dinghy Notre-Dame-du-Risban from the SNSM lifeboat station in Calais, also contributed to rescue efforts.

Mr Hughes, a professional swimmer, had been training for almost two years for his cross-Channel charity swim.

He was raising funds for The Fire Fighters Charity, British Heart Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance.

Two weeks ago while in Dover, he posted on Instagram that his swim had been delayed because of stromy weather.

Mr Hughes first joined West Midlands Fire Service in 1999, at the age of 19.

He was posted to Bournbrook fire station, and later served at Billesley, Tipton, Wolverhampton, Tettenhall, Bilston, Brierley Hill and Stourbridge.

He was promoted to Crew Manager in 2016 and joined the teams Technical Rescue Unit last year.

A JustGiving page set up before his swim shows Mr Hughes had hoped to raise £21,000 to split between the charities.

He raised £9,479 towards his target.

Police say they received a report that the cross-Channel swimmer was missing in French waters on Tuesday at around 2.15pm.

A spokesman for the force said: “Officers have been in contact with partner agencies including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and their French counterparts to establish more around the circumstances.

“Inquiries remain ongoing to locate the missing man.”