Second sea swim body identified

Lee Tompkins went missing on the night of 23 June

The body of a second man who drowned when he was swept into the Bristol Channel off Weston-super-Mare has been identified.

Avon and Somerset Police said a body found off the Welsh coast earlier this week was Lee Tompkins.

Mr Tompkins and David Ellams, both 34 and from Weston, had been drinking before they entered the water for a swim at 2100 BST on 23 June.

The body of Mr Ellams was formally identified on Thursday.

Major search

Their girlfriends said they had heard cries for help from the pair.

An inquest into Mr Tompkins' death is due to be opened and adjourned later.

More than 50 personnel, an RAF helicopter and lifeboats were sent out on the rescue bid, which was was called off after 24 hours.

Mr Tompkins, a receptionist, and chef Mr Ellams had stripped down to boxer shorts and had gone into the water near Birnbeck Pier while their girlfriends Aimee Crisp and Emma Flinders, both 25, remained nearby.

Miss Crisp, Mr Ellams' partner, said she felt "numb" after witnessing their disappearance.