Police today issued an urgent warning to swimmers after a pensioner's body was pulled out of the sea at Harwich.

It is believed that 79-year-old Colin Wilkin had gone down to the beach for a dip as he did most mornings.

It is not known if he was taken ill in the water or if he drowned.

Mr Wilkin, who lived alone in Beacon Hill Avenue, was discovered at Marine Parade at 10.15am on Saturday.

A police spokesman said following the tragedy, officers wanted to put out a special warning to those going down to the beach.

"Don't go swimming in the water alone particularly in areas like this, where there are no lifeguards on duty to assist you if you get into difficulty."

Published Monday August 2, 2004

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