An urgent search has been launched for a woman who entered the water on a popular Dorset beach. Helicopters from the police and Coastguard along with the RNLI are scouring the waters in Weymouth after the incident yesterday evening.
The alarm was raised shortly after 11pm yesterday by a member of the public after concern for the woman's welfare. She is said to have entered the sea from Weymouth Esplanade, but not believed to have returned. She is described as being of average build and having long hair, and is believed to have been alone on the beach.
Woman wore long flowing dress
The woman was wearing a long flowing dress, which has a lighter colour at the top, Dorset Police said. The National Police Air Service helicopter, HM Coastguard and the RNLI were scrambled to the three-mile long beach, which attracts thousands of people each day in good weather.
Inspector Mark Latter, of Dorset Police, said: 'We are growing increasingly concerned for the woman's welfare and are carrying out enquiries to locate her.
'The woman was on her own at the time of the incident and no belongings have been found following a search of the beach area.
'I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed a woman matching the description in the Weymouth Esplanade area at the time of the incident to contact us.
'I am also directly appealing to the woman to get in touch with us if she has left the water and is safe and well.'
Metro has contacted the Coastguard for a comment.
