Two people have died after a major search and rescue operation off the east Yorkshire coast on Friday, police say.

Emergency services have resumed their search for one more person who entered the water at Withernsea.

A second body was recovered from the sea on Friday evening after an unconscious 67-year-old man was pulled from the water and died at the scene, Humberside Police said.

HM Coastguard initially responded to reports of a “number of people in difficulty in the water” at the seaside town.

Police did not provide the gender or age of the second body they recovered, and said the circumstances are not suspicious.

The incident was reported at 15:10 GMT on Friday, resulting in a major search involving a rescue helicopter, air ambulance and RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.

A police spokesperson said: “Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as the search continues.

“We continue to ask that people avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely.”

The search was paused at about 00:30 on Saturday morning, and resumed at first light.

BBC reporter Jessica Lane at the scene on Saturday said the conditions were “bitterly cold and windy”.

“The sea is rough with waves crashing above the sea wall.

“Members of the coastguard have been walking along the promenade in the last few minutes scanning the rocks below as the search begins again.”

Hornsea Inshore Rescue said on Friday it had faced “horrendous conditions” and there had been 9.8ft (3m) waves.

A large cordon that was in place has been lifted and the operation has involved about 100 members of the emergency services, including Yorkshire Ambulance and Humberside Fire and Rescue.