DEVON and Cornwall Police have confirmed that a search is underway for a kayaker who went missing after getting into difficulty in a river.

Officers confirmed that the man, aged in his 40s, was reported missing at about 3.40pm on Saturday, January 24 and had been kayaking on the River Exe at Tiverton near the Great Western Bridge.

The police said a kayak had been recovered but the man remains missing.

Searches and inquiries are taking place in the area and the man's next of kin has been informed, said the force. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.