A MAJOR search was launched last night amid fears that a cyclist may have plunged off Hythe Pier.

The cyclist was reported to have disappeared after leaving the Hythe ferry and a light from a backpack was later seen floating in the water.

Police and coastguards carried out a search of the area, but nothing was found. A coastguard spokesman said the ferry captain reported the light in the water after the cyclist had left the ferry.

He added: "No-one has been reported missing, so it looks as if the light simply fell off and ended up in the water."