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Lifeboats and coastguard helicopter scrambled in search for missing man and his dog

A search and rescue operation was launched at the weekend after Gareth Jones went missing with his dog. (Sussex Police)
A search and rescue operation was launched at the weekend after Gareth Jones went missing with his dog. (Sussex Police)

A search and rescue operation was launched at the weekend after a man went missing with his dog on the south coast.

RNLI lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were scrambled after Gareth Jones, 69, went missing with his cockapoo near Hove.

The search was launched just before midnight on Saturday and started again on Sunday morning.

But later on Sunday Sussex Police said the search had been scaled down and it is believed Mr Jones had been swept out to sea.

Mr Jones was last seen on Saturday at about 1pm at Basin Road South in Southwick.

Police said he was believed to be with his dog, which is brown and thought to be wearing a red harness.

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Shoreham RNLI tweeted: “Our inshore lifeboat has launched again this morning to continue the search for a man missing off Hove last night.

“Both lifeboats spent several hours searching with the coastguard helicopter on Saturday night.”

Gareth Jones is believed to have been with his brown cockapoo when he went missing. (Sussex Police)
Gareth Jones is believed to have been with his brown cockapoo when he went missing. (Sussex Police)

Later on Sunday Sussex Police said: “Officers investigating the matter have viewed CCTV from the area where he was last seen, and believe it shows Gareth and his dog sadly getting swept out to sea.

“Despite extensive searches involving Sussex Police, HM Coastguard, lifeboat crews and search and rescue volunteers, Gareth nor his dog have been found.”

The force added: “Coastguard and lifeboat crews have now been stood down from the search, but police officers and volunteers are continuing to search the coastline.”

The force thanked everyone who had been involved in the search, including members of partner agencies and volunteers who have offered support.

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