RESCUE teams launched a search yesterday (Tuesday) following reports a kite surfer was in difficulty off Luccombe Chine.

The Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team and Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat were tasked to the area off the cliffs after a member of the public raised the alarm.

However, the search was called off after it became apparent it was a false alarm.

A spokesperson for the UK Coastguard said the area was thoroughly searched, but nothing was found.

"On investigation, it was found the kite surfer had passed the cliffs without issue."