26 July 2012 Last updated at 17:15 ET

Man missing after helping sea rescue in Portsmouth

A coastguard helicopter and a Ministry of Defence police boat are scouring the area

A search has been called off for the night after a man disappeared while helping to rescue a youth and a toddler from the sea at Portsmouth.

The two youngsters, and another man who also came to their aid, are now safe.

A coastguard helicopter and a Ministry of Defence police boat were scouring the area around Camber Docks and Old Portsmouth to find the missing man.

The 17-year-old and the three-year-old got into difficulties near Tower Street at about 15:45 BST.

The man entered the water with another man close to the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour, a Solent Coastguard spokeswoman said.

The man disappeared at about 15:45 BST

She said: "The man was last seen in the water close to the Square Tower, which is pretty close to the harbour entrance.

"There are very strong currents, deep channels, ferries in and out and all sorts of traffic."

Coastguard rescue teams, the Coastguard helicopter, Gosport lifeboat, Hampshire Constabulary and Royal Navy personnel were involved in the search.

They plan to start the search again in the morning.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: "Both children are now out of the water as is another man who also went in to save them."