Emergency services launched major search at Budleigh Salterton after reports of people in difficulty in the water

Two men are believed to be missing in the water off a beach in Devon, after a number of people were reported to be in difficulty.

Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Christmas Day following concerns for people in the water.

A number of people were safely recovered to shore, with two checked by paramedics and one taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution.

“Two men remain missing at this time and searches and inquiries are ongoing in efforts to locate them,” a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall police said.