A major rescue operation is underway after several people came into difficulty in "horrendous" conditions and went missing in waters near Withernsea. Emergency crews raced to the scene after a group disappeared in the water near Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, just after 3pm this afternoon.

It is believed that four people are still missing after the “in difficulty” swimmers encountered problems off the coast of the popular seaside town. There is currently a huge emergency presence with RNLI crews, Humberside Police, the Ambulance Service and Fire and Rescue crews all in attendance.

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Rescue teams are battling huge waves and “bitter” conditions off the east coast.

The service said: “Called out, unable to launch lifeboat due to horrendous conditions…

“… three metre waves breaking on our slipway which would knock the tractor and trailer sideways off the ramp. Our 4×4 vehicle on route to Withernsea with casualty care crew.”

Local Darrin Stevens told the BBC the area is a sea of blue lights.

He said: “It’s just blue lights, wall-to-wall from one side to the other.

“It’s not a good place to be in the sea.”

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