Man's body found after Brighton beach search operation

Police have confirmed that a body found on Brighton beach following a search operation during the heavy winds of Storm Noa is that of a 21-year-old man.

The Coastguard helicopter and RNLI lifeboats were involved in the rescue operation which was launched on Wednesday afternoon following the report of a person in the sea close to the pier in the East Sussex city.

Sussex Police have confirmed that a body found on the beach at Saltdean at 8.15am on Thursday April 13 was that of a man who lived in Brighton.

A force spokeswoman said: "Following an extensive search of the waters around Brighton Pier on Wednesday evening (April 12), we have sadly found the body of a man on the beach at Saltdean.

"He has now been identified as a 21-year-old man from Brighton. His next of kin have been informed.

"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this tragic incident, but it is not believed to be suspicious.

"We can confirm we are not searching for anyone else in relation to this incident.

"A file will now be prepared for HM Coroner."

The spokeswoman added that formal identification of the man had not yet been carried out.

The search operation in Brighton on Wednesday came as Storm Noa caused havoc across England and Wales with 75mph gusts of wind leaving hundreds of properties without power, bringing trees down and causing travel delays.

The man's death comes after a woman died after being spotted off the water off Brighton beach on Tuesday April 11.

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