Canoeist resurfaces five years on

A canoeist who went missing, presumed drowned, more than five years ago, has walked into a London police station.

The shattered remains of John Darwin's red canoe were found washed up on a beach in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, in March 2002.

An extensive search was launched but no trace was ever found of Mr Darwin, who was then aged 51.

"It is not known at this time where he has spent the last five-and-a-half years," said a police spokesman.

Cleveland Police said that Mr Darwin, a married father-of-two, walked into the West End Central Police Station in London at 17.30 GMT last night.

The spokesman added: "Mr Darwin is fit and well and relatives have been informed of his whereabouts."