Police appeal after woman reported entering the sea in Weymouth

Police are urgently appealing for information after a woman was seen entering the sea from Weymouth Esplanade late on Saturday evening and is believed not to have returned.

Dorset Police received a report at 11.05pm on Saturday 8 August from a member of the public who raised concerns for the welfare of a woman seen entering the water from Weymouth Esplanade.

The woman is described as being of average build with long hair. At the time she entered the sea, she was wearing a long flowing dress that was lighter in colour at the top.

Emergency services launched a large-scale search operation, with Dorset Police supported by the National Police Air Service helicopter, HM Coastguard and the RNLI.

Inspector Mark Latter, of Dorset Police, said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for the woman’s welfare and are carrying out enquiries to locate her.

“The woman was on her own at the time of the incident and no belongings have been found following a search of the beach area.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed a woman matching the description in the Weymouth Esplanade area at the time of the incident to contact us.

“I am also directly appealing to the woman to get in touch with us if she has left the water and is safe and well.”

Anyone who has information, or believes they may have seen the woman, is urged to contact Dorset Police immediately by calling 999, quoting incident number 8-598.

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the Weymouth Esplanade area around the time of the incident and may have witnessed anything that could assist their enquiries.