A MAN died in the icy North Sea in the early hours of Saturday morning despite the efforts of two policemen.

Acting Sergeant Dave Chard and PC Paul Davies saw the man swimming in the sea at Redcar at 2.45am.

They stripped and waded into the water in an attempt to rescue Mark Kent, 41, of Redcar, but were beaten back by the currents and he disappeared from sight.

The Redcar lifeboat was launched and a search involving a police heat-seeking helicopter failed to find him after several sweeps of the area where he was last seen.

Mr Kent's body was found at 4.20am when it was washed ashore.

Despite resuscitation attempts by doctors and paramedics he was pronounced dead at Middlesbrough General Hospital.

Superintendent Dave Horner, of Cleveland Police, said: "This appears to have been a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the family of Mr Kent.

"Our officers discarded their clothing and waded into the sea in an attempt to rescue him. We are more than happy with what they did.

"They went into the sea in darkness, freezing temperatures and with a strong current, it was a very brave thing to do.

"At the end of our investigation we will be looking to put their names forward for a bravery commendation.

"We believe the man went into the sea of his own accord. It appears to have been a case of high jinks gone wrong."