Emergency services are responding to reports that four people have got into difficulty in the sea near Shoreham Harbour.
At least six ambulances were sent to the scene and two air ambulances flew in, landing near the RNLI lifeboat station, this afternoon (Tuesday 18 August).
The alarm was raised at about 2.45pm, with the RNLI Shoreham lifeboat launching at 2.51pm while the Brighton lifeboat launched at 3.10pm.
Sussex Police said: “Emergency services are currently responding to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort.
“A section of the A259 in Shoreham has been closed as the incident remains ongoing and we’re urging the public to stay clear of the area in the meantime
“We will provide more information as soon as we are able to.”
The A259 Brighton Road was blocked in both directions from Kingston Lane, Southwick, to New Road, Shoreham, because of the incident.
The RNLI said: “Shoreham RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard at approximately 3pm on Tuesday 18 August.”
At the scene an ambulance could be seen leaving under a police escort with blue lights flashing.
The coastguard said: “HM Coastguard responded to an incident reported at Shoreham at about 2.45pm.
“An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent as well as Littlehampton, Shoreham and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, and an RNLI lifeboat from Shoreham.
“Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended.”
