A SEARCH operation was launched to search for a missing man in Brean. 

Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard were called at 12.36pm today (July 18) to liase with police at Brean Down. 

A lifeboat from RNLI Weston Lifeboat Station was launched to search along the side of the Down.

Volunteers from Burnham Coastguard searched the immediate area of the fort and any outlying buildings nearby.

Once this was done the search team headed back over the top of the Down and covered areas offroad.

BARB Search & Rescue also attended the incident to help in the search.

The Coastguard continued to search along the base of Brean Down on foot, the track leading to the River Axe, the Quarry end of Brean Down and small path joining the two and we also covered parts of the beach.

A police helicopter also attended the scene and was checking different focal points locally and beyond.

A spokesperson for Burnham Coastguard said: "With no new information coming through it was decided that we had covered all our designated areas and we were able to stand down and return to our respective stations for a thorough clean down and decontamination ready for the next call out.

"Great multi-team working and another fine example of the area we can cover quickly when needed.

"If you have an emergency along the coast then don't hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguards immediately."

The Weekly News has contacted Avon and Somerset Police for comment.