No further searches will be made for a missing man reportedly heard shouting for help from the sea off Brighton unless fresh sightings of him are made, coastguards have said.

An air and sea search was launched just before 2.45pm on Wednesday after a member of the public dialled 999 to report a person in trouble near Black Rock Station.

Some clothes were found on the beach although it was unclear whether they were connected to the missing person, Sussex Police said.

Intensive efforts involving coastguard rescue teams, RNLI crews and other emergency staff failed to find the man.

As darkness fell on Wednesday, the search operation was scaled back and the area where the man was last seen was monitored overnight.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) spokesman said: "As it's a missing person, it's now in the hands of the police. If we receive any additional information or any fresh sightings then the search will resume."

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "A search by coastguards, lifeboat and police after a man was reported to be in the sea by Brighton Marina Yacht Club on Wednesday afternoon was stood down at dusk.

"A man was reported to have been shouting for help shortly before 3pm, but the search did not find anyone."

Did you see what happened or do you know the man? Let us know. Call 01273 544 682