A major search on the Isle of Sheppey after reports a helicopter had crashed this morning has been called off.

The large-scale operation was launched when a member of the public reported seeing a helicopter ditching at about 10.20am.

Crews from Sheppey Coastguard and the RAF Wattisham rescue helicopter searched the area along with a Kent Police boat.

Nothing was found and the report was deemed to have been a false alarm.

Rescue crews were stood down around an hour later at 11.20am.

The reports, also made to Kent Police, said someone had seen a helicopter come down somewhere in Minster.

A large number of emergency vehicles were spotted at The Leas, in Minster, as the river was searched from Barton's Point to Warden.

It is thought someone saw a helicopter flying low before disappearing behind Minster Cliffs.