A man has been winched to safety following a huge emergency services operation at Herne Bay seafront.

The police, coastguard, ambulance and fire crews were all called to the town’s Central Parade shortly after 7pm, with a helicopter spotted overhead.

A Coastguard spokesperson said teams were called following reports of someone in difficulty in the water at about 7.10pm.

“HM Coastguard sent Herne Bay and Margate coastguard rescue teams, along with Whitstable RNLI lifeboat, an HM Coastguard helicopter, Kent Police and Southeast Coast Ambulance Service.

“The person was winched to safety by the helicopter and passed into the care of the ambulance service.”

A Kent Police spokesperson added: “Kent Police was called following concern for a man near Central Parade, Herne Bay shortly after 7pm on Sunday 14 January 2024.

“Emergency services attended and the man was located and passed into the care of healthcare professionals.”

One eyewitness reported seeing boats being launched off the beach.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman added: “KFRS was called to an incident off Central Parade, Herne Bay, at 7.09pm on Sunday 14 January. Crews remain on standby at the scene to assist Kent Police and HM Coastguard, if required.”