THE Walney and wider Barrow community has offered sincere condolences to the family and friends of a young man who was found dead in the channel.

The 24-year-old man was found in Walney Channel on Tuesday afternoon.

His identity has not yet been confirmed by police.

A large-scale emergency services response, including police, paramedics, and the RNLI was launched from the shore and lasted around four hours.

Chris Clouter from Barrow’s RNLI said the crew launched their inshore lifeboat the Vision of Tamworth from their Roa Island station after being contacted by Liverpool Coastguard and tasked to respond.

When the lifeboat reached the man he was brought back to the shore and was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.

Councillors and residents have expressed their deepest sympathies to the young man’s family and friends.

South Walney Councillor Frank Cassidy said: “The thoughts and prayers of the entire Walney community go to this young man’s family at this incredibly sad time.”

His condolences were echoed by Risedale Councillor Michael Cassells, who lives on Walney.

“My thoughts and prayers are with this man’s family and friends,” he said.

Police have confirmed the sudden death is not being treated as suspicious and the man’s family had been informed.

A spokesman for police said yesterday: “Cumbria Police were contacted yesterday at around midday regarding concern for safety of a man aged in his mid-20s from the Barrow area.

“A search was carried out and the man was located on the coastline area of Walney Channel.

“He was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and the family have been informed.”