A major search has been launched to find a car reportedly carrying two passengers which was seen entering a river.

Nottinghamshire Police said they were called at around 4.15pm on Monday to Boat Lane in Hoveringham, between Nottingham and Newark.

The force said a witness saw a car with two passengers enter the River Trent and they “believe we know who those people are”.

An aeroplane and helicopters were deployed by police to try to locate the vehicle, as well as divers from the north west region diving team.

A witness reported that two occupants were in the car at the time it entered the river

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service also responded to the incident.

In a short statement, a spokesman for the force said: “A witness reported that two occupants were in the car at the time it entered the river.

“While no formal identification has taken place we do believe we know who those people are.

“Their next of kin have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers.”