A search for a ‘missing’ angler will not resume unless new information comes forward, coastguard officers say.

Yesterday, a major operation was launched at Mudeford after fishing gear was found abandoned at Avon Beach.

An urgent appeal was issued for the angler who owns the fishing equipment to come forward.

A spokesperson for Portland Coastguard said this morning – Thursday – that no-one had claimed the equipment yet.

The search would not resume today unless new information about a missing person or otherwise came to light, she added.

Yesterday, the coastguard helicopter, police helicopter, Mudeford RNLI lifeboat, police and specialist Maritime and Coastguard officers were seen searching the shore and waters.

The unattended gear was reported by a dog walker around 6.30am.

The search was suspended yesterday afternoon at 3.10pm pending further information.