Emergency services are currently searching for a child who has gone missing from Fountainstown Beach near Crosshaven, County Cork this evening. 

It is understood the child is eight-years-old and was swept out to sea.

Garda units from Crosshaven and Carrigaline stations are involved in the search, as are the Coast Guard, RNLI, Fire Services, Customs and Mallow River Rescue.

Main image: Coastguard helicopter.