Coastguard teams say they are 'increasingly concerned' about a woman who dialled 999 after injuring herself when she fell on rocks.

A full-scale emergency search took place last night to try and find the woman, who was out walking when the accident happened. Her mobile phone lost battery and crews believe she was in danger of being cut off by the tide.

It ended at 11pm without any sign of the woman and is due to resume today.

The call came around 2.45pm on Sunday and several teams, including a search and rescue helicopter, were scrambled to Copt Point, near Folkestone.

A Coastguard spokesman said: "The woman made a 999 call and spoke to the Coastguard earlier this afternoon, reporting she had fallen on rocks and sustained injuries. Unfortunately, a short time later, the woman’s mobile appeared to lose battery life and contact was lost."

Teams were still working after dark and a full-scale air, land and sea search continued.

Emergency vehicles could be seen parked up on the coast road, near the Little Switzerland caravan park.

A lifeboat was out to sea letting off flares and a crew from Dover was joined by a lifeboat from Littlestone, which will carry out a shoreline search.

At its height the operation involved Folkestone, Langdon Battery Coastguard Rescue Teams, Dover and Littlestone RNLI lifeboats, the Coastguard helicopter and police.

But there has been no sign of her.

Kaimes Beasley for the UK Coastguard said: "We have now been searching for the missing woman for four hours and so far have been unable to locate her. We are becoming increasingly concerned for her safety.”

Matthew Crittenden, launching officer and spokesman for Littlestone Lifeboat, said: "We are carrying out a shoreline search between Folkestone Harbour and Samphire Hoe (near Dover)."

Mr Crittenden added: "We will use parachute flares which are fired off the lifeboat and provide light to search with. Our lifeboat has enough fuel to last around six hours.

"The helicopter is the biggest asset because it has thermal imaging cameras on board which can detect any body heat. That will work alongside us."

He added: "We're all hoping for a positive outcome."

Ed Baker, Dover RNLI press officer, said: "Search efforts are continuing but there is a genuine concern for her welfare.

"Efforts are ongoing and they will be for some time.

"The helicopter is having a break and refuelling but will return and we are going to do our own welfare checks on our crew.

"We are searching close to Folkestone Harbour."

Paramedics are on also standby and police cars could be seen parked up on East Cliff.

A police spokesman added: "Kent Police is assisting partner agencies, including the Coastguard, Royal National Lifeboat Institution and South East Coast Ambulance Service, after receiving concerns for the welfare of a woman in an area near Folkestone beach."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 101 quoting 11-0933.