A heroic dad who died after being pulled from the sea in Ramsgate is understood to have gone into the water to rescue his family's dog.

Emergency services were scrambled to the town's esplanade on Thursday morning, with lifeboat crews reaching the man and passing him into the care of paramedics.

He was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital in a life-threatening condition, but tragically died.

His partner posted on Facebook: "Myself and our two children are utterly devastated.

"Don't know how we will cope. He died saving our dog. He is our hero."

She later described him as "the best dad ever" to their son and daughter and added: "This man has forever, and forever will be, the love of my life."

The ambulance service and lifeboat crews were called to the scene at about 11.40am, and were assisted by police officers.