Jersey lifeboat crews called out after 'fun' flare

Jersey lifeboats, police and fire service crews were called out on Boxing Day after a flare was set off.

It was sighted off Bonne Nuit in St John shortly before 16:30 GMT, prompting an hour-long search, which was called off at 18:00 GMT.

Helier de Veulle, from the RNLI, said there had been no sign of any debris in the water after an extensive search off the island's north coast.

He said: "The only conclusion is that someone thought it a fun thing to do."

Mr De Veulle estimated a minimum of 20 people would have been involved in the search.

He said flares, though intended for emergency use only, could be let off at other times, but urged that the coastguard be notified in advance.