A car started flooding after falling into a dyke prompting fire crews to be called out in a bid to rescue the occupants.

But the car, which had ended up in the water along the side of Lower Wall Road near West Hythe, was empty when crews arrived.

Firefighters were called at midday yesterday to reports the vehicle was filling with water.

Crews wore life jackets and used a short extension ladder to reach the car to check nobody was trapped inside.

But the vehicle was empty and the owner returned as crews were carrying out their investigation.

They remained at the scene for around 15 minutes.

Police confirmed no other cars were involved.