Search for brothers missing from popular Isle of Wight tourist beach is stood down

The two boys, aged six and eight, were last seen on the seafront near Appley Tower at Ryde beach

A police and coastguard search for two young brothers who were reported missing from a popular tourist beach on the Isle of Wight has been stood down.

The report claimed the two boys, aged six and eight, were last seen on the seafront near Appley Tower at Ryde beach at about 12:00 BST.

A Hampshire police spokesman said the force was alerted at 1.21pm by Solent Coastguard and said the boys were last seen near local landmark Appley Tower.

He added that police were assisting the Coastguard with searches

The Marine and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said: "They were last seen near to Appley Town on Ryde beach at about 12pm and they were reported missing by their parents a short while later.

"We have a Coastguard rescue team, helicopter and lifeboat involved in the search. If anyone sees them, please call and notify the police."

The six-year-old boy has dark brown hair, pale skin, dark brown eyes and the eight-year-old has a mole on his left shoulder.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) later posted on Twitter: "We've searched the sea and shore and we now don't think there are 2 kids in danger.

"Search stood down. Thanks to everyone for their help."

The coastguard later said they were still hoping to get into contact with the parents but the address they had been given "didn't check out".

Additional reporting by the Press Association