Search For ‘Missing’ Children In Undercliff Ends Amid Hoax Fears

A major search for two ‘missing’ children in a remote part of the Isle of Wight on Easter Sunday ended with fears the incident may have been a hoax.

Police and HM Coastguard were called just before 9.20pm to Niton Undercliff, between St Lawrence and Blackgang, following reports that two children had gone missing.

Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team and Needles Coastguard Rescue Team were sent to the scene, carrying out searches from the Castlehaven and Rocken End areas alongside police officers.

A coastguard helicopter was also scrambled from Lee-on-Solent to assist with an aerial search of the coastline.

The aircraft was briefly diverted to another urgent incident before returning to continue the operation.

Following searches both on the ground and from the air, the incident was stood down at around 10.30pm.

It’s understood the call is now being looked at as a possible hoax.

The incident capped a busy Easter Bank Holiday weekend for the Isle of Wight’s emergency services, after crews were also called to an incident at Whale Chine on Friday and a rescue in the water at Ryde on Saturday night.