TWO police officers who dived into the sea to save a drowning man say their lives were further put at risk because lifesaving equipment was missing.

PCs Paul Clark and Peter Young were too late to save a 73-year-old man seen floating in the sea at Hartlepool Marina.

However, the officers say their own lives were endangered because three out of four shore-side life-rings were missing.

Police have launched an investigation and warned that criminal charges will be brought against anyone caught stealing or vandalising lifesaving equipment.

PC Clark, 25, told The Northern Echo that a team of officers and the police helicopter were searching for the man, who had been reported missing from the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

The officer eventually spotted a body in the freezing waters off Jackson's Wharf, near The Designer Room building, at about 8pm on Sunday.

He said: "He was face down and I dived in and swam over to him. I turned him over and it was then obvious he was dead. I towed him towards a ladder but the brackets were badly corroded and it was too thin to use anyway.

"PC Young came down to help me and other officers were desperately trying to find life rings. The officers on the shore threw out a cable but we couldn't attach it to the body.

"Eventually they found a life-ring at the fourth attempt, after three other holders were found to be empty, and we were pulled about 100 metres to safety."

PC Young, 23, said that both officers and PC Andy Lee, who helped them to shore, were taken to hospital to recover from the extreme cold.

Inspector Clive Pengilley said: "These officers risked their lives to reach this man. We do not encourage anyone to go into the water as it is a last resort.

"There is no doubt that the danger to the officers was intensified because essential equipment was missing. This was a tragedy, but it could have been a lot worse if the officers had got into difficulties."

Hartlepool Marina management said the maintenance of the equipment was down to landlords, Stockton's Mandale Group. No-one from the Mandale Group would comment.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the man's death. A post-mortem examination was carried out and an inquest is due to be opened later this week.