A search took place along the coast of Whitehaven last night following fears for a woman's safety.

Lifeboats, a helicopter and police officers all took part in the search, which was launched just after 11pm.

Police have now confirmed that the woman, who has not been identified, was found safe and well this morning.

They say they the alarm was raised at 11.12pm last night by those concerned for the safety of a missing female.

The search was launched along Saltom Cliffs area - the stretch of coast near to the Haig Mining Museum at Kells.

A spokesman said: "Officers and colleagues from the Coastguard service searched the area for the missing woman.

"Officers located her a short time ago safe and well.

The Whitehaven, Maryport and Millom Coastguard Rescue Teams were among those involved in the search.

A Coastguard rescue helicopter was also scrambled to help, along with the St Bees RNLI Lifeboat.

Whitehaven Coastguard said they were called out just after midnight by the Belfast operations centre.

They said: "An extensive search was conducted, with further support requested from St Bees RNLI and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.

"With nothing found, the RNLI and Helicopter were stood down with the Coastguard teams carrying out a further search of Whitehaven Harbour before themselves being stood down in the early hours."

They had been due to restart the search this morning, had the woman not been found.