Bronte Beach: Grave fears for a missing swimmer caught in a rip – as major search operation is launched

A swimmer has gone missing after being caught in a rip at a popular Sydney beach, sparking a huge search.

Emergency services, including an ambulance rescue helicopter and a police boat, were called to Bronte Beach at around 7.45pm on Sunday to reports of a man missing in the surf.

It is believed another person was also trapped in the crack but was rescued.

A maritime police boat and a NSW Ambulance rescue helicopter were deployed to search for the man through rough surf conditions.

Footage from the scene shows the helicopter shining its searchlight over crashing waves at the bottom of nearby cliffs.

A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance told Daily Mail Australia that search efforts have since been suspended for this evening.

Local police and Surf Lifesavers also assisted in the search and were seen conducting a ground search along the coastline and at the beach pool.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

More to come.