Man identified after body found in water near Sandbanks

The man, aged in his 50s and from Poole, was discovered in the water near Sandbanks in Poole following a report to police at 8.38am on Wednesday, October 7.

His body was recovered from the water by the coastguard and Dorset Police’s marine unit.

Dorset Police said: "Following enquiries by detectives and a public appeal, the body has been identified as a man aged in his 50s of Poole.

"The death is not believed to be suspicious."

Sandbanks Quay (Image: Councillor Xena Dion)

On October 8, Dorset Police released a description of the man and images of the clothing he was found in.

A witness came forward with information following the body that was found on October 15.

He contacted the Bournemouth Echo and said he thinks he saw the man dive into the water. He said: "I was on a bike ride, it was a few days before the body was found.

"I always sit down on the benches near the chain ferry.

"As I was sitting on the bench he walked through the parked cars and went into the water about 4 or 5 metres away from the ramp that the chain ferry goes onto.

"At that time the ferry was on the other side.

"It was a very dangerous tide.

"He was identical to the police description, the only difference was that when I saw him he had a speargun that people use for hunting fish.

"Then, when he went into the water I never saw him again.

"When I saw the appeal I contacted the police and gave all my information but I haven't heard anything."