COASTGUARD carried out searches in Bournemouth after reports of flashing lights seen out to sea.

The team from Southbourne was called out by the national maritime operations centre shortly after 6pm on Wednesday, February 24.

This came after a sighting of the flashing lights in the water from near Bournemouth Pier and Alum Chine.

Following investigations it was confirmed as a false alarm with good intent.

A spokesperson for Southbourne Coastguard said: "Once on scene we conducted a hasty search of the area and relocated to the cliff top for a better assessment.

"We were able to observe a light in the water and with a call to Poole Harbour Commissioners it was confirmed that it was an environmental monitoring station. Therefore, we stood down and returned to station."