Gravesend lifeboat crews were involved in a search after reports a man had jumped from the QEII Bridge at Dartford.

A search of Long Reach was conducted, along with the PLA Harbour launch and the Met Police Helicopter, at just after 11.20pm yesterday.

However, nothing was found and rescue teams were stood down.

Essex Police said a review of CCTV showed someone jumping off the bridge into the Thames.

A van was recovered from the bridge and a police spokesman said the man lived in south east Essex.

The bridge was closed for four hours while the incident was investigated.

A Gravesend lifeboat spokesman said: "After a few hours and a thorough search and with nothing being found, London Coastguard terminated the search.

"It was requested the lifeboat return to station and re launch at low water."

At 8.15am today, Gravesend lifeboat continued last night's search.

A spokesman added: "From the north side at Thurrock yacht club, a thorough low water shore side search was made to Crayford ness.

"The lifeboat crossed the river and continued the search on the south side down as far as Broadness.

"With nothing being found, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station."