A MAJOR search was launched after several items of clothing were found abandoned on the shoreline.

A spokesman for Swanage Coastguard said: "As the town finished its remembrance parade, the team were tasked to near the Mowlem after clothing was located near to the sea wall.

"An immediate search was started along the shoreline with the RNLI inshore lifeboat requested to assist.

"The beach and shoreline was checked from the pier to Ocean Bay with the all-weather lifeboat also joining the search.

"Several sweeps of the beach were made but nothing further has been located and no new information was received.

"Both the Coastguard team and lifeboats have been stood down."

If you have information that may assist in locating the owner of the clothes please call 999 Coastguard.