Elderly man dies and young woman pulled from water at Bude Canal

Concerns were raised for the welfare of two people on Wednesday evening

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 2nd Sep 2021

An elderly man has died following an incident at the Bude Canal.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Wednesday evening amid concerns for the welfare of two people in the water.

A woman in her 20s had been pulled from the canal by members of the public and was taken to hospital.

Tragically a man in his 80s died at the scene, and his family has been told.

It is understood he had been trying to rescue the young woman.

The family put out a plea on social media, to find the passers by who stopped to help.

They have thanked everyone involved for their kindness.

Officers have confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Emergency services were called at 5.20pm to Bude Canal following reports of concern for the welfare of two people in the water.

"A woman in her 20s pulled from the water by members of the public and was taken to hospital by land ambulance.

"A man in his 80s was confirmed deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."

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