MYSTERY surrounds how a local man in a wheelchair drowned after entering the Kingsbridge estuary.

The 73-year-old man, who has not been formally identified by police, has been named as David Pickering. He entered the estuary just after 10pm on Monday, April 7. His next of kin have been informed.

Witnesses have been spoken to and the circumstances are not thought to be suspicious, although a full investigation is under way.

Officers entered the estuary, pulled him from the water and attempted CPR. The man was airlifted to Derriford Hospital by helicopter, but despite all efforts was pronounced dead.

Mr Pickering was a retired architect and a Poppy Appeal collector for the Royal British Legion; he could often be seen outside Morrisons supermarket with his collecting tin.

John Peacock, chairman of Kingsbridge RBL, said: 'He was a loyal supporter of the Legion's cause. He's collected for us for the past three years, and although he wasn't a great communicator, we had a few good chats. He'll be very deeply missed.'

Adrian Leisk, police inspector for Ivybridge and Kingsbridge, said: 'We have no reason to believe that anyone else was involved in the incident. We're just looking to find out why he ended up in the estuary.

'Our thoughts are with the family and we're looking to support our staff after what was a traumatic incident. The officers who attended were all from Kingsbridge and are deeply saddened that, despite incredible efforts, he died.

'One of our police community support officers worked on him in the ambulance before he was transported in the helicopter.

'CPR was continued for over an hour before medical staff decided there was nothing more they could do. Our officers were on scene within five or six minutes of the first call. They did everything they could, but it's a very sad outcome.'

A local resident stated that Mr Pickering had crossed the zebra crossing from the recreation ground towards the war memorial, but failed to stop at the edge of the water.

The witness said there were Kingsbridge Community College students nearby when the incident occurred. One student was allegedly preparing to enter the water just before the officer arrived and jumped in.

Inspector Leisk added: 'We'll be looking at supporting KCC and any students who require extra help after witnessing such a tragedy.

'We'll be measuring the impact on witnesses and staff.

'We're looking to find out more about the man's movements before he came to be near the estuary.'

The investigation into the incident is under way.