A CHRISTMAS Day swim has been cancelled following “concerns for people in the water” – as multiple swimmers are pulled from the sea.
Cops have urged locals to stay out the water in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, following an “incident” this morning.
Hundreds of swimmers had gathered along the Jurassic Coast seafront for the traditional Christmas Day dip.
But emergency crews were scrambled to the beach at around 10.25am following “concerns” for swimmers.
And RNLI rescue teams could be seen battling huge waves as they scoured the water.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed a “number of people” had been rescued by crews.
The force said: “Emergency services were called at 10.25am to the beach at Budleigh Salterton following concern for people in the water.
“A number of people have been safely recovered to shore and will be checked by paramedics.
“Coastguard and RNLI crews are continuing search efforts in the water.
“There is a significant amount of emergency service personnel working on this incident.
“We ask that people do not enter the water along this stretch of coast while this incident is ongoing for public safety reasons.”
The UK Coastguard confirmed search teams were helping to scour the beach area.
It said: “HM Coastguard said it was alerted at around 10am.
“Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth and Torbay and coastguard search and rescue helicopters have been sent to the scene to assist, alongside police and ambulance service.”
Devon is one of the regions under the umbrella of the Met Office’s yellow weather warning.
The south west region is being battered by 65mph winds, with a cold health alert also in place.
Issuing a yellow warning for wind, between 4am and midnight, the Met Office said gusts would peak at 65mph in some parts of the country.
The forecaster has also warned there could be disruption to transport and power supplies in some areas.
The warning is in place for the western coast of the UK, with the south-west of England and the majority of Wales affected.
It states: “Strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds.”
A number of Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall were cancelled due to the weather warning.
