A man’s body has been pulled from the sea near Otterton this morning (Monday, November 5) emergency services have confirmed.

Exmouth Journal: Ladram Bay. Picture: Joseph BulmerLadram Bay. Picture: Joseph Bulmer (Image: Archant)

Police, lifeboat crews and the coastguard were called out at around 11am after reports a body had been seen in the sea near Ladram Bay.

According to Sidmouth Lifeboat, they were called out at around 11.10am by Solent Coastguard to a casualty in the water in the Ladram Bay area, near Otterton.

A spokesman for the lifeboat crew said the casualty was located and retrieved to the shore on Ladram Bay by one of the crew. The casualty was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sidmouth Lifeboat says the matter is now in the hands of Devon and Cornwall Police.

It is believed that Ladram Bay beach was cordoned off by police for three hours while investigations took place.

Posting on social media, Beer Coastguard say they were also called out at around 11am to reports of a body washed ashore.

A spokesman for Beer Coastguard said: “When you have a report like this you don’t know whether a boat has gone down or if there are more persons in the water.

“That’s why the resources are sent to the area, we obviously help recover the person but also searching the shore and sea to make sure no other persons are in difficulty.

“In this case the Police were satisfied that this was the only person involved. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”

Devon and Cornwall Police say formal identification is yet to take place.