COASTGUARDS have called off their search for a 23-year-old man who became cut off by the tide at Morwenstow on Friday.

The Bude Lifeboat was launched on Friday evening to assist Bude Coastguard in their search for a missing man.

It is believed that three men had descended the cliffs near Hawker's Hut at Morwenstow and had been caught by a large incoming spring tide and very rough sea conditions.

One of the men returned to the cliff top and raised the alarm, and a second man was winched up by an RNAS Search and Rescue Helicopter.

Sadly, the third man was not found, despite a search by the coastguard and Bude Lifeboat. Assistance was also given by Hartland Coastguard. After dark the search continued with Appledore Lifeboat using its searchlights, and the RNAS helicopter was replaced with an RAF Chivenor Search and Rescue Helicopter.

The search was called off later that night and resumed the following morning.

Bude Lifeboat launched again during the day on Saturday and a police helicopter was also used during the search. Bude Cliff Rescue Team were finally stood down at approximately 5.30pm after an 'extremely thorough' search.

Coastguards said the search was not resumed on Sunday.

The missing man was aged 23 from Oxford. It is believed the other men came from Woodford, near Morwenstow.

A spokesman for the rescue services ex­pressed deep concern for the apparent loss of a young man at this time. They urged the public not to descend steep cliffs when big spring tides are running and where return access appears to be difficult, especially as night approaches.

Cliff walkers should always read the tide tables and keep to the regular paths, the spokesman added.