An air-sea rescue helicopter crew had to abandon a search off the East Kent coast after being targeted by someone using a laser pointer.

The RAF Sea King helicopter was among the emergency services called out at 9.20pm on Monday.

It followed a report that someone was in difficulty in the sea at Copt Point, between Folkestone and Dover.

Lifeboat, Coastguard and police officers were searching the area, and the helicopter then arrived to carry out a search using is infra red camera system.

But the helicopter had to withdraw after a laser pointer was directed at the cockpit. Police are making enquiries to locate the person responsible.

Despite an extensive search, no-one was found in the sea.