Body found on the beach after major search off the coast of Blackpool

RNLI lifeboats, Coastguard rescuers, and the Coastguard's helicopters spent hours scouring the Irish Sea after a man was seen in the water at around 3.50pm yesterday.

The body was found during a search of the sands at around 9pm, after the tide went out, The Gazette understands.

In a statement, Lancashire Police said: "We were called at around 9pm last night (Monday) to reports the body of a man, thought to be aged in his 20s or 30s, had been found on the beach at Blackpool, close to South Pier.

"Emergency services attended and enquiries are now ongoing to identify the man.

"At this point we do not believe the death to be suspicious."