A dramatic search and rescue operation was launched off the Whitstable coast on Tuesday when a windsurfer was feared missing.

Whitstable lifeboat, Herne Bay Coastguard and an RAF Sea King helicopter were called into action just after 4pm following two reports of somebody getting into difficulty 300 yards offshore, close to the Swalecliffe Skate Park.

Lifeboat crews searched between Whitstable and Hampton Pier while Herne Bay Coastguard conducted searches along the shoreline.

But after nearly an hour and a half of searching, nothing was found and Thames Coastguard stood all units down.