The search for the father of a two year old toddler, who was found, floating in the English Channel on Sunday, was called off last night.

The toddler was found by a couple returning to port in their motor vehicle, near a dinghy which appeared to be the father and child's as it contained child's arm bands, nappies and other personal belongings. He was taken ashore but lapsed into unconsciousness and was pronounced dead 2 hours later at Worthing Hospital.

A coastguard spokeswoman said that there was no chance in finding him alive after spending so much time in the water, but a land search will still be carried out.

Mr Watkins is thought to have taken Arun, his son, to the English Channel in a dinghy, after driving 65 miles to the West Sussex coast, from his home in South London.

Mr Watkins was reported missing by his daughter on Sunday by his wife, Sheena.

Police are still looking into the events before Sunday and are yet to question Mrs Watkins.

Bishop Perowne C of E College.