A probe has been launched after it emerged a man pulled from the River Stour had contact with police in the hours before he died.

The victim, who is thought to be a 38-year-old from the area, was spotted in the water near North Lane in Canterbury at about 3.30pm yesterday.

He was rushed to hospital but despite the efforts of medics to resuscitate him, he later died.

The case has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, as it is believed the man had had contact with police earlier in the day.

He is yet to be formally identified and his death is being treated as "unexplained, but not suspicious".

Police today launched an appeal for witnesses or anyone who may have information about the man's lifestyle.

DI Jon Holl said: "We are appealing for anyone with information about the man, his lifestyle and his death to come forward.

"In particular, we would like to speak to anyone who was in the area on the afternoon of Tuesday 9 September and saw anything they believe may assist us."

Emergency crews descended on the area yesterday afternoon, and an air ambulance landed on nearby Kingsmead Field.

The man was taken by road to hospital, where he later died. An air ambulance spokesman today confirmed the man also had head and thorax injuries.

Police cordoned off a section of river bank from Westgate Towers to the end of the car park while investigators worked to determine the cause.

Witnesses reported two forensic teams at the scene, with officers in white suits gathered at the small bridge at one end of the car park.

Police wearing blue gloves were combing nearby undergrowth and taking statements.

The tragedy follows an earlier fight in the same area but the two incidents are not thought to be connected.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01227 868060 quoting incident reference number 09-880, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.