A young man is missing after three people fell into a lake at a countryside beauty spot.

Emergency services raced to Rudyard Lake, in Staffordshire, following reports that three men, aged around 17, were in difficulty in the water.

Two of them were able to get out and were taken to hospital - but the third man remains unaccounted for, according to police.

Specialist search teams are now scouring the lake - which is a popular spot for watersports activities such as kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boarding.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "A large number of emergency services are currently at Rudyard Lake following reports that three people fell in."

"We got a call shortly after 9.30pm last night (24 February) that three young men, believed to be about 17-years-old, were spotted in the water."

"Two of them managed to get out and were assessed by paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service. "

"They have both been taken to hospital."

"Specialist search teams are currently in the area alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. "

"Our colleagues from the National Police Air Service also helped with the searches yesterday."

"The third young man is still unaccounted for."

"We are advising the public to avoid the area where possible whilst we continue to work at the scene."

Organisers with the Rudyard Lake Trust, which manages the site, issued an update to visitors on their Facebook page earlier today.

They said: "Due to an incident overnight the Lake and surrounding area has been closed until further notice to both pedestrians and vehicles."

"Our car park and facilities have been shutdown until further notice. Thanks in anticipation for your understanding."