THE body of a man, thought to be a fisherman, was pulled from the River Wharfe at Otley last night.

Emergency services were called to Pool Road just before 6.15pm, with the body retrieved from the water around an hour later.

Police said they thought the man may have driven to the river and left his car there at some point during the morning. His identity is not yet known.

Inspector Carl Dennell, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “At 6.12pm, emergency services were called to an insecure vehicle parked near to the river bank at Pool Road, Otley. Enquiries at the scene indicated the vehicle may have been parked there since the morning, and may have been driven there by a fisherman.

“Fire crews attended to search the river near the vehicle, and at 7.10pm, the body of a male was retrieved from the water.”

“Life was pronounced extinct at the scene.

“The scene has been secured and enquiries are continuing.”