The search for a missing pilot has been called off after a light aircraft crashed into the sea.

The plane crashed near the Kent coast off Rye harbour in East Sussex just after 5pm yesterday.

Two Coastguard helicopters, including the one from Lydd, and lifeboats were involved in the rescue operation.

The Dungeness lifeboat was launched as part of the search.

An RNLI spokesman said yesterday: "Rye Harbour and Dungeness RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch this afternoon by HM Coastguard following reports of a light aircraft which ditched into the sea off Rye Harbour.

"Reports indicated there was one person on board.

"Rye Harbour RNLI's inshore lifeboat launched at 5.23pm, and Dungeness RNLI's all-weather lifeboat launched around five minutes later.

"Both lifeboats and their volunteer crews are conducting searches about three-quarters of a mile offshore between Winchelsea beach and Pett Level beach.

"Also involved in the incident are Rye Harbour and Dungeness Coastguard rescue teams and two Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopters."

A Sussex police spokesman said initial reports suggested the aircraft was from a local aero club and the man flying it was the only person on board.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) have been informed and will be leading the investigation.

Signs of suspected debris had been spotted in the water but Coastguard spokesmen said there were no signs of survivors yet.