A canoeist whose body was found floating in the sea has been identified.

Robert Andrew Deacon, 42, from The Riviera in Sandgate, Kent, was spotted by the crew of a fishing boat two miles south of Rye on Saturday at 6.30am.

When his body was recovered he had injuries to the back of his head and it was believed he may have been hit by a passing vessel.

He was found wearing a drysuit and the spraydeck around his waist, used to form a waterproof seal with his canoe.

A canoeist had been reported missing from Folkestone in Kent on Tuesday and a damaged canoe was discovered on Wednesday in the Hythe area.

A coroner's officer is continuing inquiries into the death. An inquest for identification will be opened and adjourned.

Anyone with information about the death should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.