Warning after air and sea coastguard and RNLI crews respond to flares fired in false alarm at Hurst Castle, near Keyhaven

Firing flares in a non-emergency is dangerous and illegal, the coastguard has warned after air and sea rescuers swarmed to a false alarm near Keyhaven.

Multiple 999 calls had reported sightings of four red flares fired at Hurst Castle just before 10pm on Saturday night.

A Lymington Coastguard rescue team was sent, along with rescue helicopter 175 and support officers from Southbourne. Yarmouth RNLI’s lifeboat also responded.

However, coastguard search teams ultimately recovered eight spent and live flares on land near Hurst Castle, with no sign of an emergency.

A Lymington Coastguard spokesperson said: “These red parachute and handheld flares are recognised international distress signals for maritime purposes, and it is illegal to use them for any other purpose.

“These pyrotechnics are extremely dangerous and pose a considerable threat to life if not deployed correctly.”

The rescue organisation also reminded people that flares should not be used passed their expiry date.

The spokesperson added: “Firing of a red flare in a non-distress situation diverts valuable land, sea and air rescue assets away from a genuine search-and-rescue emergency.”

Genuine coastal emergencies should be reported by dialling 999 and asking for the coastguard.