A HUGE search operation has been launched to try to find a woman thought to have gone into the sea.

A search was launched at about 4am after a woman was believed to have gone into the water as Storm Dennis stirred up giant waves.

Despite hours of searching the woman has not yet been located.

Rescuers are expected to resume searching again shortly.

>> LIVE WEATHER UPDATES HERE

The Coastguard helicopter spent more than two hours searching the water between the Marina and Palace Pier.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "The alarm was raised by members of the public at about 2.45am after a woman was seen in the water.

"She has not yet been located and the Coastguard are preparing to recommence their search shortly."