THE MAN who drowned near Brighton Palace Pier has been named.

Father-of-one David Dooley, 38, was swept into the sea in the early hours of Saturday.

Mr Dooley, from Tullamore, in the Republic of Ireland, was seen struggling in the waves by witnesses. 

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 1.30am on Saturday.

Newhaven and Shoreham Coastguard rescue teams and Brighton Lifeboat were dispatched after receiving reports of a person in the water between South Street and Regency Square.

The man was recovered by Brighton Lifeboat and handed over to the ambulance service at Brighon Marina. It was then confirmed he had died. 

The Windmill, a pub in Acton, London, wrote on its Facebook page: "Our friend David Dooley pass away yesterday (Saturday) in a tragic accident in Brighton. 

"Lord have mercy on him. RIP David."

Friends of Mr Dooley has also set up a JustGiving page to assist his family cover funeral costs.