The family of a man who was reported to be struggling in the sea this morning is urging anyone with information to come forward.

A major search operation began at around 7am on Sunday (September 24) after reports a man in his 30s, from Crawley, had got into difficulties in the water near Brighton’s Palace Pier.

Three RNLI lifeboats, two helicopters and a specialist coastguard aeroplane were brought in to search the area of water between the pier and Brighton Marina.

However by 4pm, Sussex Police confirmed the search had been called off.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “Were called to assist the coastguard agency after a man in his 30s from Crawley was reported to be in difficulty in the sea, east of Brighton Palace Pier, around 7.15am.

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“Searches were carried out for several hours, led by the coastguard agency, and have since been stood down.

“This has been communicated with the man’s family, who continue to receive support at this time.

“In the meantime, police and the man’s family are urging anyone with information or potential sightings to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 297 of 24/09.”