A body has been found in the sea off the Isle of Wight today (Thursday, December 28) following a multi-agency search and rescue operation.

HM Coastguard were alerted at around 9.35am to reports that a person was in difficulty in the water off Freshwater Bay.

The RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat from Yarmouth was sent to the scene, along with the Needles, Ventnor and Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Teams and the search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Isle of Wight Ambulance Service teams were also in attendance.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers are currently dealing with an incident following the discovery of a body in the water near Freshwater Bay.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, and we will update you when we are in a position to do so.”