ONE of two men believed drowned in a Christmas Day swimming tragedy in Devon has been found dead.

However, police said he was not thought to be former Wellington man Matthew Upham.

Mr Upham, aged 63, and a second man in his 40s have been missing since going into the sea in Budleigh Salterton with hundreds of other people for a traditional festive dip.

Police said officers and Coastguards were called to nearby Sandy Bay, Exmouth, at 8.45 am on Tuesday (January 20) after a man was discovered on the shore.

A Devon and Cornwall Constabulary spokesperson said: “He was deceased at the scene.

“While formal identification is yet to be carried out, officers believe the person to be a 47-year-old man who went missing during a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton.

“His next-of-kin has been informed.”

The spokesperson said Mr Upham, who was named at the time by his family, ‘remains missing at this time’.

Supt Ryan Doyle said: “This discovery is very sad news following the upsetting and tragic incident on Christmas Day.

“We have spoken with his family and we are continuing to support them through this difficult time.

“Understandably, they have asked for their privacy to be respected.

“The family of the second missing man has also been informed and are being supported.

“Our thoughts remain with them.”

Antiques dealer Mr Upham is the brother of former Wellington motorcycle dealer Mark Upham, who had a showroom in North Street.

It was believed he and the other man were trying to reach a woman in distress when they disappeared in exceptionally rough seas which struck Budleigh Salterton moments after swimmers entered the water.

Mr Upham, who moved his business from London’s Kings Road to the seaside town, was said to be a strong swimmer and was known to swim in the sea almost every day.