Reports of a swimmer in difficulty at Martello Beach, Clacton, which sparked a large-scale coastguard search last night, are believed to be false, according to police.

The Coastguard helicopter from Lydd, two Coastguard Rescue teams, and two Clacton RNLI lifeboats were all involved in the search after a call was received at around 5pm yesterday.

The search was called off after more than hour, with no sign of any persons in distress or any reports of missing people.

Essex Police said the area was “thoroughly searched” and units were stood down as the report was believed to be false.The main search concluded shortly after 6.30pm yesterday, but residual searching continued into the evening for some hours.

At 6am this morning, a spokesman for the UK Coastguard said the search would not be continuing today and the matter had been passed to police.

He added it is believed the reports were false.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said: “We were called to a report a swimmer was in difficulty in Clacton on Thursday, August 31.

“Clacton RNLI lifeboats and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter thoroughly searched the area with no trace.

“The units were stood down as the report was believed to be false.”