Swimmer found safe after search

An inshore lifeboat and other vessels combed the waterway

A night-time swimmer who sparked a major search off the west Wales coast has been found safe and well.

Coastguards said he was given a "safety briefing" after phoning them 12 hours after going for a dip in the Cleddau estuary, near Pembroke, at about 0200BST on Sunday.

He called after suspecting a police helicopter combing the area was looking for him.

Coastguards and lifeboat men were also involved in the search along with tracker dogs.

He didn't believe he had done anything untoward Milford Haven coastguard

Four local men who were fishing off the jetty at Neyland Yacht Club reported seeing the man entering the water.

He was then seen to re-emerge but a short while later went back into the sea, leaving his clothes on the side which were later recovered by police officers.

Although he was warned to get out of the water by the fishermen he continued to swim out into the estuary and they lost sight of him.

Dyfed-Powys Police had expressed "grave concern" for his safety by lunchtime on Sunday.

A spokesman for Milford Haven coastguard said the man said he had gone for a swim, then got out the water and went to a friend's house.

"He didn't believe he had done anything untoward," added the spokesman.