An 86-year-old man has died in a canal - after jumping in to save the life of his disabled daughter

An 86-year-old man has died in a canal - after jumping in to save the life of his disabled daughter.

Lawrence Casey entered Bude Canal in Cornwall to rescue his Jessica after she lost control of her mobility scooter on Wednesday.

Members of the public also "selflessly helped" to save the life of Ms Casey - who is now recovering at home, the family told the BBC.

In a statement, Mr Casey's family said: "He was devoted to the care of his disabled daughter and his final act of love as a father was to sacrifice his life to save hers.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to members of the public who also selflessly helped in the saving of her life."

The BBC reports the family say Ms Casey, who is in her 20s, suddenly lost control of her mobility scooter so that she and the scooter plunged into the canal.

Emergency services were called to Bude Canal at 17:20 BST and Mr Casey was confirmed dead at the scene.