A MAN was reported to have jumped from a bridge this afternoon, starting a police search.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said someone was reported to have jumped from the Norfolk Bridge in Shoreham at 3.25pm today.

A police helicopter, HM Coastguard, and a Shoreham RNLI lifeboat were deployed to the River Adur.

But at 5pm no trace of the man was found.

A witness said: “As I went past the bridge I saw lots of police officers and Coastguard looking over the bridge.

“There was a dinghy in the water searching. I can hear the police helicopter going over now.

“As I went past the bridge I thought ‘They can’t park there’ but it’s obvious something has happened.

“It’s so sad.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “If anyone saw the man jump or saw someone on or around the bridge at that time, they are asked to report online or call 101 quoting serial 762 of 19/08.

“However, if you see or have seen anyone in the river, please dial 999 immediately.”