A fisherman has died after he was pulled from the sea off Margate Pier.

The 48-year-old, from Margate, had gone to sea in an inflatable pleasure dinghy with a friend.

The pair had intended to do some fishing on Friday but the man jumped into the water for a swim.

The other man, aged 26 and also from Margate, became concerned when his friend appeared to get into difficulties in the water.

Despite a strong tide and wind he managed to get to him in the dinghy and held the unconscious man's head out of the water whilst he called emergency services on his mobile phone.

The RNLI inshore lifeboat attended and brought the man to the shore where attempts were made to resuscitate him.

He was then taken to the QEQM Hospital at Margate where he died at 10pm on Saturday.

The man, who has not been named, remaining in the dinghy was also helped ashore by the RNLI.

Acting Inspector Guy Burrows, of Kent Police, said: "We have looked at what happened and spoken to the man's friend and it seems that this was a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.

"It is a very sad reminder in this hot weather to be very aware of tides, currents and the wind strength before venturing into open water."

The death has been reported to the coroner and a post mortem examination will be held.

Police are attempting to inform his relatives.