West Midlands firefighter confirmed dead

West Midlands Fire Service say it is with 'immense sadness' that a body of a swimmer found in waters off Belgium is that of Iain Hughes - their missing crew manager.

Belgian authorities informed their UK counterparts of the discovery. The body has now been returned to the UK and formally identified to be that of Iain.

Iain's family have been informed and the fire service say he's held in their thoughts and prayers and are continuing to gives his family support.

Iain went missing on 21 June attempting to swim the English Channel for charity.

He was raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity, British Heart Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance.

Iain joined West Midlands Fire Service in 1999, at the age of 19.

West Midlands Fire Service have released the following statement:

“Our lives were shattered when Iain went missing. He was our world. The news that his body had been found was unbearable. It still is. We miss him more than words can ever say.

“We are proud of Iain for so many reasons. He put his heart and soul into training for the swim, but that was Iain - determined to help and support others.

“It is lovely to see how much money has been raised for his three charities, but also heartbreaking that he will never know the total. Thank you to everyone who has donated and who are still raising money.

“We also want to send our thanks and love to everyone who has been there for us these past few weeks.

“The photo we are releasing sums up the Iain we loved.

“We will not be giving media interviews and ask that our privacy be respected.

“Thank you.”

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