A major search operation is underway in the English Channel as a diver has been reported missing.

The Coastguard helicopter from Lydd and Dungeness RNLI's all-weather lifeboat have been called in to help off Hastings in East Sussex.

The alert was raised at 1.25pm, and the helicopter is currently circling over a vessel thought to be linked to the dive a few miles off Hastings.

A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: "A search for a missing diver, involving the RNLI, a Coastguard helicopter and a Coastguard fixed wing aircraft, as well as vessels in the area, is currently ongoing off Hastings."

The search was later called off after nothing was found.