A major search and rescue operation was underway along the coast last night after reports of a person in the water.

Residents in Thanet were woken by a helicopter scouring the sea before midnight.

The coastguard was contacted by police at about 11pm yesterday with concerns a person had fallen into water near the Turner Contemporary, Margate.

Margate and Herne Bay coastguard rescue teams, Margate RNLI lifeboats, and the search and rescue helicopter from Lydd rushed to the area.

The chopper was seen hovering across Birchington, Margate and Westgate from about midnight until about 4am.

But despite hours of searching, the rescue teams were unable to find anything.

A spokesperson for the coastguard said: "At approximately 11pm yesterday, HM Coastguard’s assistance was requested by Kent Police concerned about reports of a person in the water off Turner Contemporary, Margate Harbour.

"Margate and Herne Bay coastguard rescue teams, Margate RNLI lifeboats, and the search and rescue helicopter from Lydd were sent.

"Comprehensive searches were completed with nothing found.

"The search has been suspended pending further information."

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet