MP's husband dies in boat accident

The husband of Conservative MP Sheryll Murray has died in a suspected fishing accident.

The body of trawlerman Neil Murray, 57, was found onboard his boat off the Cornish coast when he failed to return to Looe Harbour after a day out alone at sea on Thursday.

His wife Sheryll, MP for South East Cornwall, said in a statement: "Neil was dearly loved by his many family and friends and will be greatly missed.

"He has died doing what he loved. I would like to thank in particular the emergency services and all the local fishermen who took part in the search."

The couple's son, Andrew, is a marine electronics engineer. Their daughter, Sally, is an officer in the Royal Navy.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said rescue teams, lifeboats and a Royal Navy helicopter were launched to find the boat when it did not return as planned on Thursday evening.

The vessel was recovered and brought back to Fowey Harbour. The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.