THE body of a man has been pulled from the water at Radipole Lake.

Police and paramedics were called to Jubilee Close, Weymouth shortly before 8pm last night.

Speaking at the scene, officers confirmed the body of a man in his 50s had been discovered in the water.

The police helicopter had been requested to assist in the incident.

Onlookers described their shock at what they saw. Dozens gathered close to McDonald's when they saw the emergency services arrive.

It is believed that two passersby tried to help the man but sadly there was nothing they could do.

Leigh Henderson, who volunteers helping the homeless community in the area, was on Westham bridge at the time of incident and described seeing two men- one who had appeared to have gone in to the water to aid the casualty and another who had gone for help.

Mr Leigh expressed his sadness at the incident.

Speaking at the scene, police inspector Geoff Hicks said: “Police and paramedics were called to reports of a male in the water at Radipole Lake at 7.51pm.

“At 8.25pm the body of a male in his 50s was found in the shallow water opposite McDonald's.

“He was retrieved from the water and pronounced dead at the scene.

“Police are in the process of contacting his next of kin and the coroners will be informed."

Crime scene investigators were called but the incident was not being treated as suspicious.

Another eyewitness said: “I saw someone being put onto a stretcher in the back of an ambulance.

“I am really shocked to hear it was the body of a gentleman.

“My thoughts and condolences are with his family.

“It is a real shock.”

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service said an officer was on scene 'within minutes' of the emergency call and was quickly followed by the ambulance.