A major search was launched after a flare was reportedly seen at sea.

A coastguard helicopter, two lifeboat crews and coastguard officers took part in the search late last night.

According to Beer Coastguard Rescue Team, which was called to the incident, two flares were seen by a fishing vessel, the first in the east of Lyme Bay and the second between Sidmouth and Beer Head.

A coastguard spokesman added: “While the lifeboats and helicopter searched form the sea and air, we positioned team members at vantage points along the coast between Salcombe Hill and Beer head.”

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched at 10pm.

The crew spent hours looking for any signs of where the flares may have come from.

A spokesman for Lyme Regis Lifeboat said: “The lifeboat crew joined a search with a coastguard helicopter, Exmouth’s RNLI lifeboat and coastguards ashore from West Bay and Beer.

“Nothing was found and the lifeboat crew were stood down by Solent coastguards just after midnight.”