Kitesurfer killed on beach named

Kite-surfers are warned to be careful in high winds

A 30-year-old wind tunnel engineer who drowned after getting into difficulty while kitesurfing off a Dorset beach has been named by police.

Charles Williams, known as Charlie, was practising the sport off Southbourne beach, Bournemouth, on Sunday morning.

The married man was dragged from the water by other kite surfers and taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Post-mortem tests showed he drowned. An inquest was opened and adjourned into his death in Bournemouth on Monday.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "Charles, known as Charlie, was a married man with family living in the Bournemouth area.

"He was pursuing his interest in kitesurfing over waters off Southbourne beach on the morning of Sunday 11 February, when he was noticed to be in difficulties 40 metres off the shore.

"He was recovered by members of the public and taken to Bournemouth Hospital where after extensive resuscitation he was confirmed dead."

Police said Mr Williams' wife and family, from Southbourne, were said to be in a state of "deep distress".