Nigel Paterson, 40, was killed when his privately-owned Jet Provost crashed off the Essex coast on Thursday.

His body was found by the crew of a Sea King helicopter from RAF Wattisham, who were helping in the search and rescue operation.

Police believe that there was only one person in the ex-RAF two-seater aircraft.

A spokesman said the plane was seen to go into a dive before hitting the water.

He said the pilot used the ejector seat and tried to parachute to safety, but he did not have enough time to save himself.

The body is expected to be formally identified later.

Local volunteers had joined in the search effort after the wreckage of the red and white aircraft was found on Thursday night as it lay in low water off the Bradwell-on-Sea mud flats.