A search which was taking place off Howth Harbour for a man spotted in the water has been called off for the night.

The alarm was raised at around twenty past five this evening by Gardaí in Dublin who reported that a man had been seen in Balscadden Bay.

Several lifeboats and the coastguard helicopter had joined the hunt for the man who is believed to be in his 40s.

The coastguard has confirmed that personal items including fishing equipment have been recovered at the scene.

The search is due to resume in the morning.