A huge search and rescue mission that was launched after reports of a person in the sea has been called off. 

A large emergency services presence, including two Coastguard helicopters and a number of search and rescue boats, were called to the coast of Aldeburgh at 1.15pm on Wednesday. 

The search was launched after a 999 call from a member of the public reporting that a man had entered the sea and not re-emerged.

Rescue efforts continued overnight despite the weather conditions. 

A spokesman for Suffolk police said on Thursday: “Officers believe they know who the missing man is and his family have been informed.”

However, the search has now been called off by the Coastguard.

"The matter will now sit with police as a missing person case and officers will complete any other enquiries that there are to be made locally," the spokesman added.

Aldeburgh, Shingle Street and Lowestoft Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to the scene alongside two RNLI lifeboats.

An HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft from Humberside was also sent to help search the area.