A ride operator whose body was found in a pool at a Lincolnshire theme park appeared to have died from natural causes, police said.

Anthony Houghton, 42, had only been working at Fantasy Island leisure complex in Ingoldmells for about a week.

The married father of teenagers, who was originally from Boston, Lincolnshire, was operating a boat ride when he fell into the water.

His body was spotted at about 1300 BST on Thursday.

There is nothing to suggest the incident is anything other than an accident or natural causes

Insp Dick Holmes

Attempts to resuscitate him failed and he was prounounced dead after being taken to hospital in Skegness.

A post-mortem examination on Friday proved inconclusive.

Police said it was believed he died of natural causes and are not treating the incident as suspicious.

An inquest was opened and adjourned to a date to be arranged by coroner Stuart Fisher.

Inspector Dick Holmes of Lincolnshire police said: "At this stage there is nothing to suggest the incident is anything other than an accident or natural causes.

Open again

There is a Health and Safety Executive inquiry to find out exactly what happened.

The ride was closed after the incident but is now open again.

The general manager of Blue Anchor Leisure, which owns the complex, said: "A detailed investigation has been made by the company in conjunction with ride safety specialists and with the Health and Safety Executive and no health and safety issues have emerged.

"The company express their sympathy with Tony's family."