Cleveleys man was seen 'shouting for help' in sea hours before his body was found on beach

Connor Stewart-Woods, 26, of Beach Road, was seen in trouble in the water at South Pier at around 3.50pm on Monday, March 2.

RNLI lifeboats, Coastguard rescuers and helicopters were launched, and eventually found Mr Stewart-Woods' body on the beach at around 9pm, after the tide had gone out.

Opening an inquest at Blackpool Town Hall yesterday, coroner Alan Wilson said: “On March 2, police have been alerted to a report of a male in the sea near the South Pier. The male had been seen holding onto the pier, shouting for help.

“The coastguard launched and a search commenced, and it was around 9pm when the coastguard notified the police that a deceased male had been located under the South Pier.

“The male was reported to not have any personal possessions. His identity was unknown, so police launched an appeal to identify him, and in due course the name of Connor Stewart-Woods has been offered.

“The police have been able to make contact with Connor’s parents and it has been confirmed that this is indeed Connor Stewart-Woods.”

A post-mortem was authorised and carried out by Dr Mark Sissons, who said the cause of death was drowning.

A full inquest hearing was arranged for 10am on Wednesday, July 15.

Mr Wilson said directions would be given to obtain statements from police and eyewitnesses, including the members of public who reported to have heard and seen Mr Stewart-Woods shortly before his death.

On Tuesday, March 3, the day after Mr Stewart-Woods' body was found, Blackpool police released a picture of the hoodie he was wearing in the hope of identifying him.

He was found wearing grey towel shorts, a marl grey Wills University Outfitters hoodie and blue Adidas running trainers.

Two days later, on Thursday, March 5, police confirmed that he had been identified, and that his death was not being treated as suspicious.