A BIG shoreline search was launched after a missing child was reported to coastguards.

The child was reported missing in the Clacton area and a host of rescue teams were sent to join the search.

Clacton beach patrol and coastguard rescue teams both searched the seafront area, while the inshore lifeboat and RAF Wattisham rescue helicopter were also sent out to help.

The rescue teams found nothing and were eventually stood down. The search was passed to other emergency services and the child is believed to have been found.

It happened at about 4.30pm on Tuesday.