A huge sea search off the Kent coast was for a man reported missing 100 miles away.

The 25-year-old was seen entering the sea at Hythe’s Princes Parade shortly before 2pm on Tuesday but failed to return to shore.

Despite a gruelling multi-agency search for more than 24 hours the man, nor his body, was found, and the search was stood down at 4pm yesterday.

Officially still classified as missing, police have notified the man’s family in Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, of the deeply concerning circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Multiple emergency service vehicles – including a helicopter, lifeboats, police and Coastguard vehicles – were scrambled to the water near Princes Parade as the temperature dipped to 3 degrees celsius.

Five Coastguard teams from nearby areas such as Deal and Folkestone were called to assist - with spotlight searches continuing throughout the night.

A police spokesperson told KentOnline: “Shortly before 2pm on January 7, it was reported to Kent Police that a man had entered the water near to Princes Parade in Hythe and had not returned to shore.

“Officers attended along with other emergency services and have been supporting a search operation led by HM Coastguard.

“The family of a 25-year-old man reported missing from Berkhampstead in Hertfordshire have been informed.”

About three RNLI lifeboats could be seen systematically searching the coastline throughout Tuesday afternoon with the assistance of a helicopter.

Speaking from the scene, an eyewitness told KentOnline: "I heard a helicopter flying low, came outside and multiple agencies can be seen on land, in the sea and air, searching the bay between Hythe and Sandgate.

“Various people have stopped to watch.”