An appeal has been launched after a man went missing in the sea off the coast in Devon. Michael Oppong Yeboah, 18, had been swimming with friends on Plymouth Hoe before he disappeared on Monday, March 18.

Emergency services were called at just after 11pm when Michael never came out of the water. Devon and Cornwall Police, with HM Coastguard and the RNLI carried out searches over night, with aid from a search helicopter but Michael wasn't found.

Underwater dive searches resumed the next day, but were eventually halted on Tuesday afternoon when police divers and the coastguard were still unable to locate him. His next of kin have been informed, a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said.

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The force is now appealing for information from witnesses and are particularly keen to hear from a group who were near Tinside Lido on the same night Michael went missing. DC Adam Fitzpatrick, who is investigating the incident, said: “From our enquiries we know that a group of people have spent the evening together before going down to the shoreline for a swim.

“The rest of the group returned to land but Michael did not. Specialist search and dive teams have searched the area but have not located him. We are supporting Michael’s family and our enquiries are ongoing.”

DC Fitzpatrick added: “I’m keen to hear from anyone who saw a group of people in the area of the shoreline next to Tinside Lido during the evening of 18 March and may be able to assist us.”

Any witnesses are asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 50240065594.

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