A MAJOR search for a person “possibly” in the water in Newquay Bay on Monday night has been stood down pending further enquiries.

Newquay Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924, Padstow Lifeboat, Newquay RNLI Lifeboats, Padstow RNLI Lifeboat, Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team and the police attended the incident at Towan at 5.10pm.

The Coastguard helicopter circled the area and used a light beam to illuminate parts of the water and the beach.

The multi-agency search was “eventually” stood down pending further enquiries. Police have said “no further reports or information” have been received.

A spokesperson for Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team said: “The team was tasked to assist Newquay RNLI Lifeboats, Devon & Cornwall Police, Padstow RNLI Lifeboat and Newquay Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924 after reports came in of a possible casualty in the water at Towan.

“A full-time coastguard officer also attended this incident. After an intensive search of the area all assets were eventually stood down pending further enquiries. “Whilst this search was ongoing a second incident came in with reports of persons cut off by the tide in the Gannel.

“As Newquay team were committed at Towan, St Agnes Coastguard Search & Rescue Team were tasked to cover this call.

“After a search of the area this was put down to a false alarm with good intent.

“This morning on Tuesday, February 17 at 1.34am the Newquay team and HM Coastguard Padstow were tasked to assist South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and Devon & Cornwall police with an incident on the Barrowfields. Shortly after arriving on scene all assets were stood down as the incident had been resolved.”

A police spokesperson said: “Emergency services were called shortly before 6pm on February 16 following a report of that a person was seen in difficulty in the water at Towan Beach, Newquay.

“Coastguard and RNLI teams searched the water, while officers assisted with searches and enquiries on land.

“No persons were located and no further reports or information were received.”