The body of a swimmer seen drifting off Brighton beach has still not been recovered.

A huge air and sea operation was launched yesterday afternoon involving police, a coastguard helicopter and lifeguards following reports of a body in the water near the Palace Pier.

The body was spotted just after 4pm yesterday but despite efforts to retrieve it, it was swept out to sea again after being caught in the heavy swell.

Strong winds and powerful waves hindered the operation as hundreds of onlookers watched the drama unfold.

After three hours the air and sea rescuers were stood down and coastguard crews stayed on the beach to conduct sweep searches throughout the evening.

Searches resumed to find the body today but no further sightings have been reported.

Sussex Police said inquiries are being conducted to establish whether a pile of clothes found on the beach belong to the missing swimmer.