A MAN died after he was pulled from the sea off Portland as a result of a “tragic accident.”

An investigation was launched on Sunday afternoon after coastguards pulled a man, aged in his 30s, from the water near Pulpit Rock at Portland Bill at 12.45pm.

He was found to be in a life-threatening condition and later died in hospital just after 1.30pm.

Dorset Police have now said that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Detective Sergeant James Mullen, of Weymouth CID, said: “Enquiries are ongoing into the incident but at this time we believe that the man died as a result of a tragic accident.

“We would like to thank members of the public who have already come forward to assist our appeal. I am still keen to hear from any witnesses who saw the man enter the water and have not yet spoken to police.”

His next of kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified.

Chief Inspector Guy Shimmons, of Dorset Police, said: “We are currently trying to establish how the man came to be in the water. I believe he may have been with two other men prior to the incident and they are currently being spoken to by officers.

“I would ask anyone who was in the Portland Bill area and either witnessed what happened or saw a group of men prior to the incident to please contact Dorset Police."

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 10:223.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.