SEARCHES have taken place to locate a missing swimmer in Studland Bay.

Coastguard and lifeboat crews were called to the area after a member of the public was concerned for a swimmer seen heading out from Middle Beach Studland at around 5pm on Monday, October 26.

A spokesperson for Swanage Coastguard said the team carried out shore line searches from South Beach Studland to the chain ferry while lifeboats from Swanage and Poole carried out sea searches off shore.

"Searching for two hours the beach was checked for clothing or any person," said the spokesperson.

"If you were swimming off Middle or South Beach Studland around 5pm on Monday please urgently contact the Coastguard on 999.

"Dorset Police also attended the incident and confirmed no one was currently missing in the area.

"Search assets have been stood down pending any further information."