A huge search and rescue operation launched to find a missing swimmer in his 20s has been stood down.

The coastguard helicopter, police and lifeboats were scrambled to the Port of Dover on Saturday with the search later suspended.

Now, the Coastguard has confirmed the search was terminated on Sunday afternoon and the man remains missing.

A coatsguard spokesman said: “We coordinated intensive searches on Saturday in response to a report made at 6.17pm of a missing swimmer near Dover Harbour, Kent.

“The search involved coastguard rescue teams (CRTs) from Langdon, Deal and Folkestone, alongside RNLI Dover and Walmer lifeboats and a coastguard search and rescue helicopter.

“On Sunday, CRTs from Folkestone, Langdon and Deal conducted further shoreline searches alongside police.

“The search was terminated at about 1.35pm.”

A police spokesman added: “We were called to assist the coastguard in a search for a missing swimmer near Dover Harbour, on Saturday.

“Inquiries remain ongoing to locate the missing person.”

KentOnline understands the missing person is a local man in his 20s.

One witness at the scene at the weekend said: “It’s for a swimmer reported missing.

“Dover Lifeboat and Walmer Lifeboat, plus the coastguard helicopter, are here.

“It’s an ongoing search, and the helicopter has now gone to refuel in Lydd.”

Videos showed the aircraft hovering over the harbour, as boats searched the water’s surface.