Children rescued from Hastings cliffs

Hastings RNLI launched its lifeboat just after 8.50pm to assist in the search for the five children, who were reported missing on the East Hill and possibly stuck on the cliffs.

The lifeboat’s crew used powerful search lights to light up the cliffs and help locate the children after receiving reports from the Coastguard.

The volunteer crew, who were attending the annual Festival of Remembrance at the White Rock Theatre, were quickly on scene and found the children on the cliffs just east of Ecclesbourne Glen.

The crew managed to communicate with the children using their loud hailer and a series of mobile phone flashes and together with Hastings Coastguard Rescue team, HM Coastguard Rye Bay and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, the five children were safely walked back to Rock-a-Nore by the coastguard foot team.

No medical assistance was required.