Dead surfer had been arrested over child porn

A firefighter who died while surfing had been arrested just two days before his death on suspicion of child porn offences, police confirmed today.

The body of Richard Carrington, known as "Blakey", was found still attached to his surfboard in Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset, on October 8.

Mr Carrington, 38, lived in Southampton, Hants, with his wife Diana and daughter Sofia.

He served on Green Watch at Hightown Fire Station in Southampton, and had been with Hampshire Fire and Rescue service since October 1, 1990.

He was arrested by Hampshire Police on October 6 and released on bail.

A force spokeswoman said: "Hampshire Constabulary can confirm that a 38-year-old man from Southampton was arrested by police on Tuesday, October 6.

"He was interviewed on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children and was bailed until April 13 2010."

A Dorset Police spokesman said that Mr Carrington's camper van was found parked near where his body was found.

He added: "Dorset Police are investigating on behalf of the coroner because there are no suspicious circumstances."