Body of Cornish fisherman found

A coastguard spokesman says the body was entangled in fishing nets

The body of a fisherman has been found off the coast of north Cornwall.

The discovery was made two miles off Bude following an overnight search by an RAF Chivenor rescue helicopter, inshore lifeboats and fishing vessels.

Devon and Cornwall Police have named the fisherman as 58-year-old John Pethick, from Bude.

An investigation is under way, but officers say there is no evidence of criminal activity and the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Falmouth Coastguard says Mr Pethick was fishing alone and was found entangled in his nets.

Spokesman Ray George said: "At about 8.30 last night the man was reported missing by two local people who'd seen his car in a car park and realised he'd missed the tide.

"At first light this morning, the fishing pots were lifted and unfortunately a body was found entangled in the fishing gear below the surface just after 6am."