‘Hoax call’ sparks Shoreham Coastguard response

The team was called at 9.17pm to a report of a red flare sighed off the coastline at Shoreham Beach, a spokesman said.

An investigation of the area was launched, but the team was stood down as the call was believed to be a hoax.

Earlier the same day, the team assisted Sussex Police in conducting a search for a missing male.

Crews from the Littlehampton Coastguard and the Shoreham lifeboat were also involved.

The man was safely located inland after an ‘extensive’ search, a spokesman confirmed.