A lifeboat crew was called out following reports that an object had been spotted floating in the sea.

The volunteer crew of Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat was alerted this afternoon to reports that there was a 'black object' floating near to a buoy off Corton village.

Lowestoft Lifeboat Coxswain John Fox said: 'The initial report came in at 4.07pm and the boat launched just before 4.20pm. It was indicated that there was a black object in the sea half way between the shore and the West Holm buoy.

'We launched the lifeboat and searched that area using searchlights and then fired some parachute flares to illuminate the scene.

'There was a 'roaring flood tide' running and so we then switched our search to the south - but were unable to find anything and were stood down - returning to the harbour at 5.15pm.'