A man thought to have been the victim of an assault lying injured on Weymouth Beach sparked an emergency operation today.

Police, paramedics and coastguards were alerted to the beach early this morning to find the 'casualty', said to be unconscious.

The person was not found, despite a search.

Police were alerted by the ambulance service at just before 5.40am. Dorset Police said a man had expressed concern for another man lying injured on the sands.

Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team was called at 6am.

A spokesman said: "The report stated a person had been assaulted and was unconscious on the beach, believed to be possibly near the Boat Café, towards the Pavilion end of the Esplanade.

"The team quickly assembled on the beach near to the location given and conducted a thorough search of the immediate area. The team was then sent to conduct a further search from the Boat Café towards Overcombe Corner, checking other potential locations.

"The search teams completed a comprehensive search of the entire beach area which yielded no results. This was then reported on to Dorset Police. With no sign of any casualties, all teams were stood down shortly before 7am."

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "Searches were conducted but we didn't locate anyone.

"At this stage no victim has come forward and we've not found any party involved so it's a suspicious incident.

"If we have a victim coming forward reporting what happened we would look into it."