Search under way for two missing people off Yorkshire coast

Officials say a major search is under way after two people were reported in difficulty in the sea near Withernsea; rescue teams are operating amid severe weather and freezing temperatures.

A major search is under way after two people were reported in difficulty in the sea near Withernsea. Officials say they were first alerted at about 3.10pm on Friday. HM Coastguard reported aircraft and local rescue teams were deployed to the area. Authorities have said conditions are severe and temperatures are expected to drop to freezing overnight. What is known: - Two people were reported in difficulty near Withernsea, with alerts received at about 3.10pm on Friday. - HM Coastguard reported deployment of aircraft and local rescue teams, and multiple emergency services were called to assist. - Weather and sea conditions are severe; Hornsea Inshore Rescue said it could not launch a lifeboat because of three-metre waves on the slipway, and a severe weather protocol is in place. Summary: The search remains ongoing and authorities report the two people as missing; operations are affected by rough seas and freezing temperatures. Undetermined at this time.