Mr Martindale and his dog were seen in the River Rothay in Ambleside. Photo: Martin Dawes CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police have named the man who died in a river in Ambleside.

Simon Martindale of Hest Bank, Lancaster, was swept away in the River Rothay on Monday.

Mr Martindale, 48, was seen in the swollen, fast-moving river with his dog about 2.25pm.

His body was found just over an hour later in an operation involving Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, police, fire and rescue and the ambulance service.

Police said the dog managed to get out of the water.

A Cumbria Constabulary spokesperson said: “Officers are supporting his family at this very difficult time following this tragic accident.

“Police are urging people to stay away from the water’s edge and not to enter the local rivers or lakes as the water is fast moving and can be very dangerous.”