The body of a diver who went missing off the Sussex coast has been recovered.

The disappearance of the man off the coast of Hastings, near a busy shipping lane, sparked a widespread search including helicopters and nearby boats.

His body was recovered yesterday afternoon, Sussex Police have confirmed.

A spokesman for the force said: "The body of a diver has sadly been recovered off the coast of Hastings on Sunday afternoon.

"His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, and this will now be a coronial matter."

The man's body was recovered by fellow divers after being reported missing on Saturday afternoon.

RNLI lifeboats and other vessels were sent to waters off Hastings in search for the missing diver shortly before 2pm on Saturday.

Coastguard helicopters combed the area alongside nearby boats who responded to a distress signal to join the search party.

The coastguard search was called off at around 11pm on Saturday.