A massive search and rescue operation launched in Folkestone turned out to be a false alarm.

Coastguard teams and lifeboats were sent after reports two people were seen in the water about 1.5 miles off shore.

But when crews arrived they found not two people...but two brown wicker mats.

The launch was sparked just after 8pm following a report of a possible person or object in the water.

Both the Dover and Littlestone lifeboats were called to help the search and the coastguard helicopter from Lydd also provided a search light and cover from the air.

Folkestone Coastguard confirmed that after finding the mats, the lifeboats put up a white flare to light up the area further to confirm nothing else was in the water.

A spokesman for Dover RNLI said: "There were reports of two people 1.4 miles west of Folkestone. Dover lifeboat has recovered two objects and no people are in danger."

They later confirmed the items recovered were brown wicker mats floating in the water.