A large scale operation was launched after reports of a person in difficulty off the coast of Shellness.

Sheppey and Medway Coastguard Rescue Teams, Whitstable RNLI Inshore Lifeboat and RAF Rescue Helicopter R125 carried out a search of the area at around 4.11pm yesterday.

However, nothing untoward was found and the operation was called off at 8.20pm.

The incident was described as a “false alarm with good intent”.