The body of a man found on Saltdean beach this afternoon has been identified as Freddie Reynolds.

Freddie was swept out to sea as he tried to rescue his friend Dan Nicholls in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A member of the public found his body at 2.25pm and he has now been formally identified by his family.
 
His family said: "We are devastated but also extremely proud of Freddie and the bravery he showed in trying to save Dan."

They paid tribute to him in a statement released by Sussex Police earlier today.

DCI Carwyn Hughes said: "This is a tragic incident and we are supporting Freddie and Dan's families. Our search continues for Dan with further searches taking place tomorrow.

"Our sympathies go the families who have asked that their privacy is respected at this sad time."

Earlier detectives revealed that the friend's deaths are being linked to a tragis dare which went wrong.