Coastguard pauses search for two people in water off Devon beach

Members of the coastguard searching for two men off a beach in Devon have been stood down.

The two men are believed to be missing in the water in the Budleigh Salterton area.

"Searches have continued throughout the day to find two men believed to still be in the water," said a spokesperson for the coastguard.

"After extensive shoreline and offshore searches, the coastguard part of the search was stood down at 5pm."

The next of kin of one of the men have been spoken to but enquiries to speak to the family of the second man are ongoing. A local friend has been informed, however.

Devon and Cornwall Police were called at 10.25am on Christmas Day following concerns for people in the water.

The force said a number of people had been safely recovered to shore and would be taken to hospital as a precaution.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow alert for cold for the South West of England lasting until midday on Saturday. The Met Office issued a warning for strong, gusty winds.

Swimmers were urgently asked not to take part in Exmouth's Christmas Day swim while the incident was dealt with.

"We ask that people do not enter the water for public safety reasons - due to the current weather warnings, we ask that this is the case today and for any Boxing Day swims," the spokesperson added.

"Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay and coastguard search and rescue helicopters have been sent to the scene to assist, alongside police and ambulance service," said a coastguard spokeswoman.

Several Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall have already been cancelled because of a yellow weather warning for wind.

One social media user commented on the police's post saying: "Our local swim was cancelled and quite right too, the swell is huge and the wind is set to increase."

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The Met Office warned of "strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds" on Christmas Day in parts of the South West of England and Wales.

Peak gusts could reach 55-65mph along some exposed coasts and to the west of prominent hills, according to the Met Office.

Disruption could be caused to transport and power supplies, the forecaster said, with large waves creating an additional hazard on some coasts.

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