Two men are missing in the sea off Budleigh Salterton in Devon after a Christmas Day swim went wrong. Emergency services were called at 10:25am following reports of people in difficulty in the water.
A number of swimmers were safely brought to shore, with two checked by paramedics and one taken to hospital as a precaution. The missing men are aged in their 40s and 60s.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall Police said searches were stood down as darkness fell, with some land enquiries continuing. She urged the public not to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day, noting that weather warnings had led to the cancellation of several official and unofficial swims.
The coastguard search was stood down at 5pm after extensive shoreline and offshore searches. The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for wind on Christmas Day, with gusts of 45-55mph and up to 65mph on exposed coasts, along with large waves.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101, quoting log number 191 of 25 December.
