Coastguards were called to Seascale yesterday evening following reports of flashing lights and possible people in distress.

However, when the team carried out an extensive search of the area, there was no responses and no further sightings. Subsequently, the team stood down.

The Whitehaven coastguard team said it had received reports at around 6.15pm that a member of the public had sighted an unusual flashing light west of Seascale.

A spokesman said: "An initial response team was swiftly deployed to investigate. On arrival at the scene and with no first informant making themselves known, we commenced a hasty search of the area, observing from local vantage points."

The coastguard head quarters at Belfast transmitted signals to request any information of any vessel that may have sighted anything.

A spokesman for the Whitehaven team said: "We deployed a parachute illuminating flare to allow us more visibility of the area. With nothing sighted, no further reports and no response to either the Pan-Pan or illuminating flare, we were stood down."

The team is asking members of the public who report any incidents to the coastguards to stay at the scene until members arrive.

A spokesman said: "We would ask that any first informants remain at the scene and make themselves known to us. This helps us ensure a more accurate and timely response can be conducted. In a coastal, sea or cliff emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard.