Coastguard search for two missing men at Devon beach abandoned
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton on Thursday (Alamy/PA)
The coastguard part of the search for two men believed to be missing in the water off Budleigh Salterton, Devon, was called off on Christmas Day evening.
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 10.25am on Christmas Day after concerns were raised for people in difficulty in the water.
While a number of individuals were safely brought to shore, with one taken to hospital as a precaution, two men remained unaccounted for.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the next of kin for one missing man had been informed, and efforts were ongoing to contact the family of the second.
The incident took place during a yellow weather warning for strong winds and large waves, which led to the cancellation of many planned Christmas and Boxing Day swims.