A motorcyclist has been found dead close to Bourne Road in Essendine, Rutland.

Officers were called to the area at 5.45am today, Sunday 30 April, following the discovery of a body and a motorbike in the nearby river.

East Midlands Ambulance Service were also in attendance and declared the man, who is in his 40s, dead at the scene.

Detectives from the force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

From initial enquiries carried out it is believed the man was travelling on his black Kawasaki motorcycle towards Essendine. It is not believed any other vehicles were involved.

Detective Sergeant Ed Des-Chanelle from the SCIU said: "We are in the early stage of an investigation and are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help us piece together what has happened.

"We believe this incident took place during the early hours of this morning so we are looking to speak to anyone who was driving in the area of Essendine before 5.45am today and thinks they may have seen a motorcyclist. If you were in the area and have a dash cam, please review any footage to see if you have captured something which could help with this investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident 128 of 30 April.