Concerns after boat launched at night sparks rescue

Two people were on board the small dinghy which was spotted leaving Sidmouth on Tuesday night

A night-time rescue mission was conducted in Sidmouth after a boat was spotted going out in the dark.

The Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat said it was called at 22:00 BST on Tuesday after safety concerns were raised about a small dinghy with two people on board launched from the town's beach.

The crew said the vessel was located the boat about one mile (1.6km) from the shore and towed back safely to the beach after the two people on board were assessed.

A HM Coastguard spokesperson said personnel from its rescue teams in Beer and Exmouth were also sent out to help with the operation.