A huge rescue operation has been launched after a swimmer reportedly got into difficulties off Brighton beach.

Police and coastguard helicopters are searching the water near the Palace Pier after several sightings of a person, believed to be male, in the heavy swell.

A spokesman for Brighton Lifeboat said a pile of clothes were found on the beach.

Earlier this month Irishman Ruairi Kelly, 28, died after being caught in powerful currents near the pier.

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