RESCUERS became the rescued in a dramatic coastal search for a missing man yesterday.

The drama unfolded when police officers called on the help of coastguard teams to search for a 59-year-old man, believed to be suicidal, along the North-East coast, between Skinningrove and Saltburn, east Cleveland.

The body of the man, who has not yet been identified, was found at the bottom of Huntcliff - a 365ft drop.

But during an operation to retrieve the body, rescue teams were caught out by the incoming tide and had to be airlifted from danger by two RAF helicopters.

Two officers from Cleveland Police were evacuated, along with eight members of the Humber coastguard.

The man's body was also retrieved.

Helicopters from RAF Boulmer and RAF Leconfield were scrambled at 1.24pm. Two lifeboats were also put on standby.

A spokesman from Humber Coastguard said: "The man's body was found at the scene after the coastguard did a search for the person. While we were waiting for the scene-of-crime officers, two police officers and the rescue team were cut off by the tide.

"There were ten people on the beach at the time of the rescue. By the time the helicopters arrived, the tide was getting closer, so it had to be a quick job.

"Everybody was okay and the police involved were able to return to duty."

Mike Puplett, of Humber Coastguard, said: "It is a very sad outcome that someone has apparently taken their own life, and I thank the coastguard teams, RNLI and RAF for their dedication and professionalism."

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "The body was taken to the mortuary at the James Cook University Hospital and the coroner will be informed. There are no suspicious circumstances.