A police investigation was launched today after a New Forest fisherman caught a body in his nets - but was so shocked he threw it back into the water.

The man, who is believed to have been fishing alone from his vessel, found the corpse among his catch when he hauled his nets in at the entrance to Lymington harbour.

But the grisly sight horrified him so much he let the haul slip and the body disappeared back into the sea.

The fisherman informed police of the find at 4am this morning and a marine unit was launched.

Hampshire police spokesman Susan Rolling said: "A fisherman found a body in the sea off Lymington but unfortunately was so shocked he let it fall back in.

"The marine unit was alerted and a police launch began searching for the body this morning."

PC Jeff Jarvis, of Hampshire's marine unit, said: "We have very few details about the body at the moment and have not been able to locate it yet."