A MOTORIST died after his car ended up on the edge of the River Lemon at Newton Abbot this morning.

Some 40 firefighters were called by police to the town quay embankment near the Teignbridge Council depot in Ford Road just before 6.30am.

The driver, who has not been named, was plucked from the water by Teignmouth coastguards but was later declared dead.

Unconfirmed reports suggest a car was seen to drive down the slipway next to Pilkington Marine where it was blocked from entering the water by a wooden sleeper.

The abandoned car was located with the driver’s door still open.

Firefighters used a winch and water rescue gear to pull the car back up the slipway where it was removed by a recovery vehicle.

The casualty was left in the care of paramedics who attended the scene with police.

But a police spokesman said later: ‘A man was pronounced deceased at Torbay District Hospital and his next of kin are being informed.’? The spokesman added: ‘The death is not believed to be suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.’

Officers were called to the riverside around 6.20am in response to a concern-for-welfare alarm.

‘A man had reportedly entered the River Lemon in a car. Fire services and paramedics were also called,’ said the police spokesman.

 Firefighters at the incident were called in from Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton, Exmouth and Plymouth. Crews at the scene included specialist rescue teams.