A LIFEBOAT from Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) has been dispatched to an upturned red canoe currently floating down the River Usk between Usk and Caerleon.

Lifeboat Five left Caerleon at 2.20pm and is travelling up the Usk to search the riverbanks and ascertain whether anyone is inside the canoe or nearby.

A message on SARA's official Twitter feed said they had been tasked to carry out the mission by Gwent Police.

The Argus was unable to speak to anyone from Gwent Police.

More information as we get it.