A major search operation is under way off Brighton this afternoon after reports of a person struggling in the water.

Coastguard and RNLI crews have been searching the area of sea between the Palace Pier and Brighton Marina since the alarm was raised at 6am today, Sunday.

The Argus: The coastguard is searching above Brighton's Palace Pier down to the marinaThe coastguard is searching above Brighton's Palace Pier down to the marina (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

Three lifeboats, two helicopters and a coastguard plane continue to scour the area.

A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard was called shortly after 6am today to reports of a person being seen in the water off Brighton Pier.

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The Argus: A lifeboat battling the wavesA lifeboat battling the waves (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

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“A coastguard rescue helicopter, coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats from Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven along with Sussex Police are conducting a search for the man between the pier and the marina.

“The search is currently ongoing.”

Dozens of emergency service vehicles are on the city’s seafront this afternoon while a large number of personnel assist the search from land.