Body of missing canoeist is found

A number of agencies took part in the search

The body of a canoeist who went missing on a swollen river has been found.

Police said 21-year-old Arron Charles Aldous, from Richmond in Surrey, was discovered by rescuers when water levels lowered on Saturday.

Mr Aldous is thought to have got into difficulties on a remote stretch of the Bladnoch River, near Newton Stewart, in Dumfries and Galloway, on Thursday.

Search teams were hampered by bad weather, with torrential rain making conditions dangerous for rescuers.

The body of Mr Aldous was found in the river at Glassoch Bridge at 1300 GMT on Saturday. Police confirmed the identity on Saturday evening.

The area had not previously been searched because high water levels had made it inaccessible.

Mr Aldhous's canoe and paddle were found during Thursday night at a point north-west of the area.

The early part of the search concentrated on the length of the River Bladnoch and its banks above Glassoch Bridge.

A Royal Navy Sea King helicopter had been brought in to assist with the search.

Other agencies involved included Galloway Mountain Rescue, HM Coastguard and the Search and Rescue Dogs Association.