A search operation for a kayaker reported missing off Brighton’s coast was suspended at nightfall on Sunday.

HM Coastguard said a person had been seen “going into the water” from a kayak off Hove Lagoon, near Brighton in East Sussex, on Sunday morning.

A kayak and paddle were later found on the shoreline in the area.

The coastguard said it had since confirmed the identity of the kayaker, who remains missing.

A coastguard helicopter, the Brighton RNLI lifeboat and coastguard rescue teams from Newhaven and Shoreham were all involved in the “intensive” search for the missing person on Sunday evening.

HM Coastguard said it was first contacted about the incident shortly after 10am.