A man has drowned after trying to save a couple caught in waves at Blackpool, Lancashire.

Mark Smithirst, 32, from Blackpool, had been fishing on the seafront at 0100 BST on Sunday when cries for help were heard and two people were seen struggling in the waves.

Mr Smithirst jumped into the water to help, but was swept out to sea.

A man and a woman from the West Midlands were pulled to safety by other anglers.

Body found

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "The coastguard and police helicopter mounted a full search operation, but sadly Mr Smithirst could not be found."

His body was later washed up on the beach near North Pier.

Mr Smithirst's pet spaniel was found waiting near the place where its owner had dived into the sea.

The two people rescued, Craig Hirst, 25, and Sarah Churchill, 19, are both from the West Midlands.

They had been spending the weekend in the resort.

They were treated at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and later travelled home.