Police name river death canoeist

More than 30 firefighters were involved in the rescue operation

A canoeist who drowned after he became trapped in a weir on a West Yorkshire river has been named by police.

Mark Watson, 37, of Springwell Avenue, Swillington, near Leeds, was pulled from the River Calder, near Halifax, on Saturday by police and firefighters.

He was taken to hospital in Halifax in a very serious condition but was later declared dead, police said.

Mr Watson was one of four canoeists who got into trouble on the river between Luddenden Foot and Sowerby Bridge.

Firefighters said he was in "severe difficulties" when they were first called to the river near to Styles Lane, Boulderclough, Sowerby Bridge, just before midday on Saturday.

Major rescue

An officer said all four canoeists were taken by ambulance to the Calderdale Royal Hospital.

"The other three are expected to make a full recovery," he added.

A police investigation was launched into what happened, but officers said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Mr Green said: "It is believed to have been a tragic accident."

More than 30 firefighters from Leeds, Bingley, Brighouse, Elland, Illingworth and Cleckheaton were involved in the rescue operation along with the brigade's Major Rescue Unit from Cleckheaton.