Police have given an update to an incident at a beach in Cornwall on Saturday during which the air ambulance was called.

Emergency services were sent to Praa Sands, between Helston and Penzance, at around 3pm on Saturday, with the air ambulance landing.

At the time police described it as a “medical issue.”

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Family praises emergency staff and public for trying to save 'gramps' life on beach

Now a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police has given an update to say that a man has died.

They said: “Police were called by the ambulance service to Praa Sands beach at 3pm on Saturday, following a report of a person suffering a medical episode.

“The man was sadly confirmed deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Emergency services responded following a 999 call for help, which came in just after 3pm.

The South Western Ambulance Service was sent initially, with ambulance staff subsequently requesting help from Devon and Cornwall Police to oversee the scene.

Cornwall Air Ambulance was also called.

Police officers cleared a space close to the beach to allow the air ambulance helicopter to land safely on a grassed area, cordoning off the section from members of the public.

Praa Sands, which is six miles from Helston and just over eight miles from Penzance, is popular with surfers and families for its wide expanse of sand and sea suitable for both swimming and watersports.

A statement issued by the family of the deceased named him as Keith Gater, lately of Tregirls near the village of Altarnun, Bodmin, Cornwall.

The statement sent by his son The Rev'd Jamie Gater says: "As his sons, and on behalf of all the family, we want to express grateful and heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff and emergency services who worked extremely hard to save dad from what turned out to be a sudden and catastrophic medical event.

"We are also grateful to the staff at the cafe, and passing members of the public for their kindness and the attempts they made to save dad’s life.

"We are obviously shocked, but are taking comfort from one another, and remembering an amazing and unforgettable dad and gramps. We would also ask for privacy as we come to terms with all that has happened."