A number of swimmers have been pulled from the water after getting into difficulty off the coast.
Emergency crews descended on Budleigh Salterton beach on the Devon coastline this morning after being alerted to the incident.
The alarm was raised at 10.25am, triggering a significant emergency response.
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed several individuals have been successfully brought ashore and are awaiting medical examination by paramedic teams.
Search operations remain underway in the waters, with rescue teams working to ensure all those who entered the sea have been accounted for.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency also responded to the alert with helicopter units scrambled to assist with the search from above.
Lifeboat crews from both Exmouth and Torbay stations have been deployed to the scene.
Rescue teams from Exmouth and Beer coastguard stations are involved in the ongoing operation alongside ambulance personnel.
Authorities have issued an urgent appeal for members of the public to stay clear of the water at both locations whille emergency services continue the rescue operation.
Devon and Cornwall Police specifically warned against entering the sea at Exmouth, where a Christmas Day swim had been scheduled, as well as along the affected stretch of coastline at Budleigh Salterton.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Please do not enter the water and avoid the area.”
Hundreds of swimmers had assembled at both beaches earlier in the day for traditional festive dips.
A wind weather warning remains active across Devon, with forecasters cautioning that strong and gusty conditions from the east and northeast could generate hazardous waves and spray affecting coastal communities and seafronts.
MORE FOLLOWS…
