UPDATED: SEARCH IN THE DARK FOR POSSIBLE PERSON IN THE WATER AT VENTNOR

A land and sea search for a possible person in the water is underway in Ventnor tonight (Monday). Police have been joined by HM Coastguard on the Esplanade, where officers from both services are searching along the beach and in the immediate vicinity of the seafront. Coastguard Rescue Officers from Ventnor and Bembridge have donned water rescue equipment, should a swift water rescue be required. On the water, Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat has been launched with the volunteer crew currently conducting a sweep of Ventnor Bay. The incident began at around 22:10. UPDATE @ 23:10 – A woman has been successfully located on the beach and escorted to safety by Police. Search and rescue teams are now standing down from the incident.