A BODY has been found after a search for a missing swimmer.

Shortly after 1pm paramedics and police carried a body from the water on Brighton beach just east of the Palace Pier.

The body was found members of the public walking along the beach, The Argus understands.

Around 20 minutes earlier Sussex Police issued an appeal for help to find a 28-year-old man after a search of the seafront was called off.

It is believed the man got into difficulty when he went into the sea east of the pier after telling friends he was going for a swim.

The alarm was raised just after 7.30am this morning.

A police spokesman said: “He had told friends he intended to swim round the pier but they became concerned when he failed to appear.”

“Following an extensive search for a 28-year-old man reported missing in the sea near Brighton's Palace Pier on Saturday morning a body was discovered on the beach.

“Sadly, it is believed to be that of the missing man. The coroner's officer has been notified and next of kin informed.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) was informed and took charge of a search operation, sending out a helicopter, Brighton lifeboat and the Shoreham coastguard team.

Police helped with a shoreline search, but no trace of the man could be found, the force spokesman said.

Shortly after 11am the MCA decided to suspended its operations.