Massive search operation for missing man stood down in West Sussex
A car was found on the beach at East Preston yesterday (Sunday 22nd)
Last updated 23rd Dec 2024
A large-scale operation to find a missing man, after a car was driven onto a beach in West Sussex, has been stood down.
Police cars, including dog handlers, were called to East Preston at around 2.10pm yesterday (Sunday 22nd).
They were joined by the RNLI lifeboat team from Shoreham and the coastguard team from Littlehampton, while the coastguard helicopter was also sent out to scour the beach.
A coastguard spokesman said: "HM Coastguard received a request for assistance from Sussex Police with an incident at East Preston beach just after 14:10 today (December 22).
"A coastguard helicopter, Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team and Shoreham RNLI lifeboats have been sent."
The coastguard later confirmed that searches had ended as of 6.30pm on Sunday.
It comes after police launched an appeal to locate a 50-year-old man from Sheffield, whose name has only been revealed as Alexander.
He was last seen in the East Preston area on Sunday and officers have said they are concerned for his welfare.
Sussex Police said Alexander is 5ft10 in tall and wears baggy clothing and a hat.
An appeal issued by the force has asked anyone sees Alexander, to call 999 immediately quoting serial 0508 of 22/12.