THE body of a missing Hampshire diver has been recovered from the sea.  

A major search and rescue operation was launched earlier today after the man was reported missing.

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: "At 3.40pm on Monday, August 28, Dorset Police received a report from the coastguard that a diver who had been missing since the morning had been located in the water off Portland.

"Sadly, the diver – believed to be a man in his 40s and from Hampshire – was pronounced dead.

"His next of kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified."