A MAN has died after being knocked into the sea by a wave at Scarborough.

Emergency services were called to the town's South Bay at about 6pm on Sunday after reports a man had been knocked from a sea wall and swept out to sea near the Spa.

The man was recovered from the water unconscious by lifeboat crews at around 6.40pm and taken to Scarborough District Hospital, however he was later pronounced dead.

The man is believed to be from Scarborough.

It is understood he was walking in the area with his dog and a friend when he got into difficulties.

The man’s friend, who is in his 20s, was also taken to hospital suffering from shock and the effects of the cold, but was later discharged.

The Scarborough RNLI inshore lifeboat launched at 6.10pm, with the all-weather boat joining the search about 20 minutes later.

A Sea King helicopter from RAF Leconfield was called in to help find the men.

Coastguards said the weather conditions were poor with rough seas, gale force winds and a very high tide at the time of the incident.

Mike Puplett, from Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said: “We have very high tides at the moment and when you combine this with gale force winds you get very powerful waves.

"Whilst this can look spectacular we would ask people to please admire the force of nature at a distance.

"Breaking waves will knock you off your feet and are extremely dangerous for both you and the people who will be sent to rescue you.”

The alarm was raised by a family walk nearby.