THE body of a man discovered in a marina has been identified by police.

The heavily-tattooed man is 30-years-old and originally from the Lancashire area.

But officers from Cleveland Police say he was staying with friends in Hartlepool before tragedy struck late on Wednesday night.

Members of the public alerted emergency services at around 11.30pm after spotting the man face down at Hartlepool Marina, Teesside.

Police will not name the victim until relatives are informed of his death.

Paramedics and coastguard rescuers attended the scene near the Old West Quay pub, close to the Travel Inn hotel.

Two officers rowed out to the man and pulled him to the shore.

Attempts were made to revive him at the scene but he was pronounced dead a short time later at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

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

Door-to-door inquiries have been carried out but officers are anxious to speak to witnesses, who should call (01642) 302126.