Tributes to 'inspirational' Sussex father feared drowned after being swept out to sea

Video report by ITV News Meridian's Malcolm Shaw

The family of a Sussex man, feared drowned while trying to rescue his dog from the sea, have been paying tribute to him.

Gareth Jones, 69, disappeared from the beach at Portslade on Saturday afternoon (January 16). 

He was last seen at around 1pm at Fish on Basin Road South, but failed to return home.

A major search and rescue operation got underway, with the coastguard conducting a helicopter search off Brighton beach.

The operation was scaled back on Sunday night, after CCTV footage appeared to show Gareth in the water with his cockapoo.

Sadly the body of his dog, Connie has now been found, but there has been no trace of Gareth despite the huge search operation.

Gareth Jones had a distinguished career travelling the world as a business guru and academic.

Mr Jones's family say his first impulse would have been to help his dog if she was in difficulty. 

People who know Gareth have been describing him on social media as 'wonderful' and 'inspirational'.