THE body of a man found at the foot of cliffs in Saltburn yesterday, Thursday, was that of a serving Cleveland Police officer, the force has confirmed.

Paramedics, the Coastguard, Redcar RNLI and police carried out an attempted rescue close to Huntcliff yesterday afternoon.

The dead man has been named as Detective Inspector Richie Baker, 54.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "Yesterday afternoon officers were sent to an incident at Huntcliff in Saltburn where unfortunately a man’s body was found.

“Sadly we can also confirm that the man was a serving Cleveland Police Officer, Detective Inspector Richie Baker.

“Richie’s family has been informed and our thoughts and sympathies are with them. He was 54 and he had 28 years’ service with Cleveland Police.

“Richie was part of a strong, close team and was extremely well regarded by his colleagues. Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death are on-going and officers are supporting Richie’s family and colleagues."