A CCTV image of a man later found dead in a kayak has been released as the mystery deepens around who he is and how he died.

The man was last seen at the Brighton Canoes shop in Avis Way, Newhaven, at about 4pm on September 8.

These CCTV shots were captured in Newhaven on what police believe was the day of his disappearance.

Detectives are no closer to working out who he is after he was washed up on Yaverland Beach in Sandown on the Isle of Wight 13 days ago.

Police were called to the scene at 7.20pm after the man was spotted by horrified locals in an inflatable yellow and black Sevylor Conrad kayak on September 11.

Thought to be aged between his mid 20s and mid 30s, he was traced back to Sussex through a receipt found in the pocket of his shorts.

A member of staff at Brighton Canoes told The Argus yesterday they had given “every shred of information” they had to police, confirming the man had bought a boat from the shop.

Officers now want to piece together what the man did between buying the boat and being found dead three days later.

Luke Tarrant, another worker at the shop, previously told The Argus he did not believe the man was a regular customer.

The man is white with dark hair, blue eyes and was described as having "nice teeth". He is also described as “well built” and was wearing beige shorts and a blue zip-up jacket. He is believed to have had an Irish accent.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said he had not been reported missing after going for a paddle, contrary to other press reports.

The death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to try to establish the circumstances.

If you recognise the man from the CCTV image, call 101 (Hampshire) and ask for Newport CID, quoting 44150315983.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.