A major search operation has been launched after plane is feared to have crashed near a seaside town.

The pilot set off a distress signal before the aircraft vanished near Hemsby Gap, Norfolk on Sunday. Searches have now begun in the area, which lies several miles north of Great Yarmouth.

Follow the live blog below for the latest updates:

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Where is Hemsby?

Hemsby Beach is about eight miles north of Great Yarmouth on Norfolk’s eastern coast, and is on the North Sea.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Ships asked to help in search

All ships in the Hemsby Gap area off the Norfolk coast have been asked to respond to the search for the plane.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Not known how many were on board

It has not been confirmed how many people were on board when the plane crashed.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Plane issued a mayday call out at sea

The small aircraft issued a distress call about two to three nautical miles off the coast at 12.34pm, the coastguard said.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Major search operation launched

Four lifeboats and a helicopter have been deployed to the Great Yarmouth area.

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