The RNLI has issued a statement after an “extensive search” off the coast of Brighton in response to reports of a person in the water.

Two lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were seen searching near Brighton Palace Pier yesterday evening for a search at sea and along the shoreline.

Crews from Shoreham RNLI were joined by police, as well as Shoreham and Newhaven coastguard teams, following a report that a person had fallen from the pier.

The search was carried out for two hours before being called off after “nothing was found”.

A spokesman for Shoreham RNLI confirmed that the call was of “good intent”.

He said: “Both lifeboats were launched to search for a person reported to have fallen off Brighton Palace Pier along with Shoreham coastguard, Newhaven coastguard, Sussex Police and the coastguard helicopter.

“An extensive search was carried out at sea and along the coastline.

“Nothing was found and the search was called off after two hours. The call was good intent.”