Sussex Police confirmed that lifeboat and coastguard crews had been stood down from their attempts to trace Gareth Jones at about 4pm.

This decision came after officers viewed CCTV footage which appears to show him being swept out to sea.

Gareth Jones

Police officers and volunteers are continuing to search the coastline. 

Gareth was reported missing yesterday, having last been seen at Fish, a fishmongers near Portslade seafront, at about 1pm.

A huge search effort was launched as volunteers joined police, coastguard and lifeboat crews in an attempt to find him.

• READ MORE: Search for missing Hove man scaled down after CCTV appears to show him and his dog being swept out to sea

This continued into the early hours of this morning, and was resumed at first light.

But, shortly before 4pm, Gareth's daughter Rhian posted a heartbreaking message on on social media, addressing members of volunteer search parties who had helped scour Hove seafront for signs of her father.

She said: "We have had the worst news. Please stand down all search efforts.

"Thank you everyone for all of your help and support. 

"We will need you all more than ever now."

Sussex Police also issued a statement shortly after 4.30pm, saying the search had been scaled down.

A force spokeswoman said: "The search for missing Hove man Gareth Jones has been scaled down following an update on the investigation this afternoon. 

"Gareth, 69, was reported missing with his brown cockapoo dog yesterday having not been seen since 1pm.

"Officers investigating the matter have viewed CCTV from the area where he was last seen, and believe it shows Gareth and his dog sadly getting swept out to sea. 

The search for Gareth Jones on Hove seafront last night

"Despite extensive searches involving Sussex Police, HM Coastguard, lifeboat crews and search and rescue volunteers, neither Gareth nor his dog have been found. 

"Coastguard and lifeboat crews have now been stood down from the search, but police officers and volunteers are continuing to search the coastline. 

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"Sussex Police would like to thank all of those involved with the search, including members of partner agencies and the many volunteers who have offered support."