POLICE are trying to identify the body of a man found drowned in a marina.

Passers-by alerted emergency services at about 11.30pm on Wednesday after spotting the man face down in Hartlepool Marina.

Police and fire crews, along with paramedics and the coastguard, attended the scene near the Old West Quay pub, close to the Travel Inn hotel.

Two officers rowed out to the man, believed to be in his 20s or 30s, and pulled him to the shore.

Attempts were made by ambulance paramedics to resuscitate him and he was then taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Further attempts were made to resuscitate him there, but he was pronounced dead at about 12.30am.

An investigation has been launched and a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out today.

A week ago, a Ford Ka containing two teenage girls smashed through the steel barriers and into the marina, approximately 50 metres from the same spot, in the early hours of the morning.

The girls, aged 18 and 19, were not seriously hurt and were arrested on suspicion of motoring offences. They were released on police bail, pending further inquiries, in the incident, which is not believed to be linked.

The heavily-tattooed man, thought to be from the Hartlepool area, has yet to be identified.

A spokesman said: "The body of a man was recovered from the water at Hartlepool Marina.

"Police were alerted and found the man face down about 20 yards from the shore. Two officers rowed a dinghy out and pulled him from the water."

A spokeswoman for Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: "We responded to a drowning victim who was of unknown age or gender at the time of the call. One ambulance and one rapid response vehicle went to the scene and personnel carried out resuscitation. He was then taken to hospital."

Door-to-door inquiries have been carried out but officers are anxious to speak to anyone who may know the identity of the man.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 302126.