Police name pilot missing after light aircraft crashed into sea off Rye Harbour

Mr Wells's plane is thought to have only had one person on board when it crashed off Winchelsea Beach

A photograph of Mr Wells standing by a Lightning aircraft (Handout)

A pilot who is missing after his light aircraft crashed into the sea has been named by police as Simon Wells, from Greatstone in Kent.

The 44-year-old's plane plummeted into the sea around half a mile off Rye Harbour in East Sussex on Saturday.

The coastguard said on Sunday that rescue efforts will not be renewed after a major search when the plane initially went down.

A photograph of Mr Wells standing by a Lightning aircraft at an air display was also released on behalf of his family by his brother, Anthony Wells.

Mr Wells's plane is thought to have only had one person on board when it crashed off Winchelsea Beach just after 5pm.

Coastguard helicopters and lifeboats combed the sea for survivors but had to call off the search when darkness fell.

On Sunday a spokeswoman said the rescue operation would not be resumed, saying: "There was a very intensive search yesterday and there aren't any plans to restart this morning, unless there is any further information.

"The helicopter was at the scene very quickly and if there had been anything on the surface it would have been seen.

"The aircraft and pilot weren't above the water - there was sheen and bits of debris. It is not an active search and rescue operation now."

Wreckage from the plane was washed ashore later that day and police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch has been informed and will be carrying out an investigation.

Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting reference 1172 of 06/08.