A COMMUNITY has been left shocked and saddened after a man died after going into the sea.

The incident at West Beach, West Bay yesterday saw a major emergency response - including, police, paramedics, coastguards, RNLI lifeboats, firefighters and two rescue helicopters - as efforts were made to try and save the man.

Witnesses told of how rescuers were assembled at the harbourside where it is understood the man was brought to.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The alarm had been raised at 7.30am following concerns for the welfare of a man in the water.

Dorset Police said the man, who was from the local area, was pronounced dead at the scene and his family had been informed.

The circumstances surrounding his death, which is not being treated as suspicious, is now a matter for the coroner.

Mayor of Bridport Ian Bark said: "I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of this incident, and on behalf of the community my sympathy and condolences go to the family of the man who has died.

"I would also like to thank the emergency services for their efforts to avert this tragedy."

He added: "We do not know the circumstances and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time, except – out of respect for the bereaved – to ask people not to engage in public speculation."

Hazel Greenwood, who had gone out for a walk at West Bay, said: "I was incredibly surprised to see the air ambulance on the jetty beyond the harbour master's office when I arrived at West Bay. It must have taken a huge amount of skill to land it in such a small area, especially given the high winds.

"There were very few people there and I could tell that they were all as surprised and perplexed as me."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a report at 8am on Monday from HM Coastguard raising concern for the welfare of a man in the water at West Beach in West Bay. Officers attended, along with HM Coastguard and the ambulance service.

"Very sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been notified."

A spokeswoman from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Rescue Service, said: "We were called to West Bay at 7.43am after reports of someone in the water.

"Two crews from Bridport attended and a technical rescue team from Weymouth was en route when it was established that the person had been (brought out of the water)."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

A spokeswoman from HM Coastguard, said: "We attended an incident at West Bay.

"Coastguard rescue teams from West Bay and Lyme Regis were sent together with the RNLI lifeboats from Weymouth and Lyme Regis, South West Ambulance Service, Dorset Police, Helimed as well as the search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent."