A SEARCH which was launched after concerns were raised for an angler who may be missing at Mudeford, has been suspended.

An urgent appeal was issued to the angler who may have left their fishing gear on the shore at Avon Beach.

They, or anyone with information, are asked to get in contact immediately.

The search was called off at 3.10pm today.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency updated their initial statement saying: "Search has been suspended pending further information."

Dorset Police were called at 6.30am this morning after a dog walker found the ‘”high quality fishing tackle” abandoned on the steeply shelving beach at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour.

The discovery led to concerns the angler may have entered the water and got into difficulties.

The Mudeford lifeboat, Southbourne Coastguard Rescue Team, the Lee-on-Solent search and rescue helicopter and the police have all been involved in a so far fruitless search.

Watch Officer at Portland Coastguard, Becky Clarke, said: “The fact that some expensive fishing tackle has simply been left on the beach has raised fears that an angler has possibly gone into the water.

“We are appealing to anyone who thinks that they are this angler – or knows who it might be - to please get in touch with the Coastguard urgently by calling 999.”  

Jo Dadds, from Mudeford Lifeboat, said the crew launched at 9.47am after unattended fishing tackle was found on Avon Beach.

She said that the National Police Air Service helicopter, Southbourne Mobile Coastguard and the RNLI crew was involved in a search of the coast between Hengistbury Head and Milford to make sure nothing untoward was going on.

A member of staff at the Beach Hut cafe said they had seen the helicopter and lifeboat along the coast this morning.