Urgent search for missing man after car is found abandoned on beach

An urgent search is ongoing for a missing man after a car was discovered on a Sussex beach.

Concern is growing for a missing man who was last seen near East Preston beach earlier today.

Alexander, aged 50, whose surname has not been revealed, was reported missing this afternoon after a car was found abandoned.

It has sparked a huge emergency response along the beach around six miles west of Worthing.

Footage shows the Coastguard helicopter and an RNLI lifeboat scouring the freezing sea water while a police canine unit was spotted along the beach.

Gale force winds have been battering the area, with around 45mph winds recorded in East Preston today. The water temperature is thought to be between 9C and 11C.

Sussex Police said: ‘We are concerned for the welfare of Alexander who is missing from Sheffield.

‘The 50-year-old was last seen near East Preston beach today.

‘Alexander is 5’10” tall and wears baggy clothing and a hat.

‘If you see Alexander, please call 999 immediately quoting serial 0508 of 22/12.’

The alarm was first raised shortly after 2pm when a white vehicle was found near the beach.

One Coastguard helicopter, a rescue team and an RNLI lifeboat from Shoreham were involved.

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