A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man at Barmouth beach.

Emergency services were called after a 34 year-old man was found in the water shortly after 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

Detectives said he was pronounced dead at the scene "despite the best efforts of those who attended" and his next of kin have been informed, along with the coroner for North West Wales.

A 24 year-old man from Birmingham was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody while enquiries continue.

North Wales Police say they're not looking for anyone else in connection with the death but they're appealing for witnesses to come forward while patrols are being stepped up in the area.

Detective Superintendent Chris Bell from North Wales Police said: "An investigation into the man’s death has been launched and I am urging anybody who was at Barmouth beach and witnessed the incident to contact police."

"I am also appealing to everybody who was on the beach between 2pm and 4pm who took any photos and videos to send them to us as soon as possible."

"We are interested in all photos or videos taken on any part of the beach during the afternoon. Any image could be relevant to our investigation, and my team of investigators will review them to ascertain whether they are of any evidential value to our enquiries."

"Your help on this matter could be crucial in piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the death of the man.

“I would reassure the community that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident and there will be an increased police presence in the coming days for reassurance purposes. My thoughts remain with the man’s family at this difficult time.”

Anyone with information or any photos or footage of the incident should visit the major incident page on the North Wales Police website or call 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.