The coastguard was launched to assist the crew of a boat who had reported being temporarily blinded by what is thought to have been a laser pen being shone from the shore.

Rescue teams were deployed from Margate at 8.40pm after the vessel reported the green light source being directed at them from Broadstairs.

Kent Police were also made aware of the incident but no suspects have been found.

Coastguard maritime operations controller Kaimes Beasley said: "It's a serious offence because you're distracting the watchkeepers on the vessel which could lead to an accident or loss of life.

"It's a criminal offence because you're endangering the vessel."