Dorset Police reported that some high quality fishing tackle had apparently been abandoned on the steeply shelving beach at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour – leading to concerns that the angler may have entered the water and got into difficulties. The equipment was discovered by a dog-walker at 6:30am on Wednesday 17 September 2014.

The Mudeford lifeboat, Southbourne Coastguard Rescue Team, the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent and the police were all involved in a search.

Watch Officer at Portland Coastguard, Becky Clarke, said:

The fact that some expensive fishing tackle has simply been left on the beach has raised fears that an angler has possibly gone into the water.

We are appealing to anyone who thinks that they are this angler – or knows who it might be – to please get in touch with the Coastguard by calling 999.

The search was suspended yesterday afternoon pending further information.