The body of a missing man from Hove has been found in the sea between Newhaven and Seaford, Sussex Police said this afternoon (Tuesday 19 January).
Gareth Jones, 69, is understood to have been swept out to sea while trying to save his cockapoo Connie on Saturday (16 January).
The force said: “Sussex Police have recovered a body from near the water’s edge at Tide Mills.
“A member of the public alerted police at 8.56am to the body of a man on the beach near Seaford.
“Sadly, police believe the body to be that of missing 69-year-old Gareth Jones from Hove. His family have been made aware.
“There are no suspicious circumstances and the coroner’s office has been informed.
“Gareth’s dog was also sadly found deceased on the beach in Brighton on Monday (18 January).”
Mr Jones was last seen at about 1pm on Saturday.
After he was reported missing, the coastguard, lifeboat crews and police started to search for him.
The search was scaled back on Sunday after security camera footage emerged which appeared to show Mr Jones and his dog being swept out to sea.
This is heartbreaking news. Now that I see the dog’s name Connie, I recall meeting them. (It is curious that one often learns a dog’s name without knowing the owner’s.) Man and dog were great friends, and it is so very sad that their lives ended in this way – and at a time when dogs are helping people in this adversity. One can never be unhappy when a dog is around. Bumbling or sacagacious, they display a deep understanding of life.