The search for a fisherman swept overboard in raging seas ended today when his body was found washed up on a beach.

An early morning walker spotted the body, still clad in bright yellow oilskins, near the King Alfred leisure centre on Hove seafront just after 7am.

Police and an ambulance were called to the scene and took the body from the beach. A post-mortem examination was expected to be carried out later today.

The fisherman was later identified as Jason Anderson, 33, from Havant, Hampshire. His relatives have been informed.

Mr Anderson was last seen on the rear deck of the trawler Miranda as it prepared to enter Shoreham Harbour at 8am yesterday.

When the skipper turned around he realised Mr Anderson had fallen overboard. It is not known whether he slipped or was washed away by a wave.

Two lifeboats and a ten-man Coastguard rescue team scoured the harbour and nearby beaches for the missing man.

The search was abandoned as darkness fell yesterday and Mr Anderson's body was discovered this morning two miles east of where he was last seen.

Police Inspector Mark Powles, based at Hove, said: "Someone out walking saw Mr Anderson's yellow clothing and called us. His relatives have been told and the coroner has been informed."