A missing four-year-old boy sparked a huge search along the coast with coastguards, police and lifeboats scouring the shoreline.

The RNLI said the search - which lasted several hours - serves as a "stark reminder" to parents to keep an eye on their youngsters.

Emergency services were called to Brighton beach on Sunday when the boy was reported missing by concerned family members.

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The inshore search and rescue boat from Brighton's RNLI station was dispatched at around 6.30pm, along with coastguards and nearby police officers. Several emergency services vehicles were spotted on Madeira Drive.

The child was eventually found by police, walking east, and was reunited with his family.

"We're thankful this incident had a positive outcome, but it serves as a stark reminder to parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children, especially on busy beaches," said Roger Cohen MBE, operations manager for Brighton RNLI.

"Children can become disoriented or wander off in seconds, which is why it's crucial to maintain constant supervision."