Urgent Search Operation launched for woman who disappeared in sea during Storm Dennis

A frantic search operation has been launched to try to find a woman thought to have gone into the sea at about 4 am this morning as Storm Dennis stirred up giant waves.

Despite hours of searching the woman has not yet been located, rescuers are expected to resume searching again shortly.

The Coastguard helicopter spent more than two hours searching the water between the Marina and Palace Pier in Brighton.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “The alarm was raised by members of the public at about 2.45 am after a woman was seen in the water.

“She has not yet been located and the Coastguard are preparing to recommence their search shortly.”

More details to follow.