Hartlepool search continues for Matthew Sherrington missing in sea

Matthew Sherrington disappeared while playing in the sea

A teenager has gone missing in the sea at Hartlepool, sparking a major search.

Cleveland Police said it would continue to look for 14-year-old Matthew Sherrington in the Steetley Pier area, although the coastguard has suspended its efforts "pending further information".

Hartlepool RNLI said it spent 13 hours searching overnight.

Police said Matthew had been "playing in the sea" but "hasn't been seen since".

Hartlepool RNLI spent 13 hours searching the sea off Hartlepool with the police and Coastguard

He was reported missing on Thursday and multiple 999 calls were made shortly after 18:00 BST.

A police spokeswoman said: "Officers immediately searched the beach and sea area along with coastguard colleagues but have not managed to locate him.

"Police have been made aware of people organising their own searches and would ask for the public to refrain from doing so for their own safety.

"Officers are doing everything they can in a bid to find Matthew and would ask that people avoid the area to allow the team to carry out their inquiries."

Specialist officers are in contact with Matthew's family to offer them support at this difficult time, the spokeswoman added.

The search has involved police and coastguard helicopters

A spokeswoman for the coastguard said they received multiple calls "concerned about a person in the water off Steetley Pier".

The coastguard's rescue team, RNLI lifeboats and a search and rescue helicopter were all involved in the operation.

On Friday morning, the spokeswoman said: "The search has now been suspended pending further information."

Hartlepool RNLI lifeboat operations manager Chris Hornsey said they continued searching until they were instructed by the Humber Coastguard to stand down.

"Once again I have to praise the outstanding commitment and professionalism shown by the volunteer crew during the search," he said.