A man who prompted a huge emergency response after entering the sea in bitter conditions remains missing after two weeks.

The 25-year-old failed to return to shore at Princes Parade in Hythe shortly before 2pm on January 7 as temperatures dropped to just above freezing.

Multiple agencies – including the coastguard, RNLI and police – launched a huge search operation.

But after more than 24 hours, the man was not found and the search was stood down at 4pm on January 8.

His family in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, was notified by police of the deeply concerning circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Today, a force spokesperson confirmed the man – whose identity has not yet been disclosed – has still not been found.

Multiple emergency service vehicles – including a helicopter, lifeboats, police and coastguard vehicles – were scrambled to the water near Princes Parade.

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

Police revealed last the individual entered the water shortly before 2pm on Tuesday and had not returned to shore.

About three RNLI lifeboats could be seen 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.”