A body has been found after a man was swept out to sea.

On Thursday, it is believed a man in his 40s was swept out to sea in Blackpool close to North Pier.

An extensive search was carried out by the Coastguard and National Police Air Service, and emergency services were this morning spotted on the beach at Cleveleys.

Police later confirmed a body had been found on the beach close to Victoria Road West.

It is thought the man entered the water around 3.10am on Thursday.

Formal identification is yet to take place but the body is believed to be the missing man.

Police confirmed his next of kin have been informed.

On Saturday evening, officers asked people to stop sharing a video of the recovery on social media, after the family of the man had been left 'devastated'.

A spokesperson for the police said: "Earlier today the body of a man was sadly recovered from the beach close to Victoria Road West in Cleveleys.

"We are aware of a video shared on social media showing the recovery.

"Out of respect for the family of the man involved we would ask the original poster to delete the video. If you have shared the footage, we would also ask you delete the video.

"The man’s family have been left devastated by his death and our thoughts are with them at this sad and very difficult time.

"Thank you for your continued support."