Body found floating in the sea in front of the cathedral

The body was spotted by walkers and a fisherman at 8. 25a.m just a few metres from the rocks and the alarm was raised.

The National Police, Port Police, Local Police and the Guardia Civil all responded to the alarm but fire fighters from the Palma brigade were tasked with the job of removing the body.

The Romanian was fully clothed and was identified as Padel Ursachi and he had left his bicycle locked to the railings.

Two women stopped on seeing the abandoned bicycle and, not far out to sea, spotted the floating body wearing a white T-shirt and face down in the water.

The Guardia Civil, which have been placed in charge of the investigation, said that, after an initial investigation, there were no signs of violence or foul play.

Last night they were working on the theory that the 51-year-old had fallen into the sea and drowned by accident.

"What is more, the sea was very calm so it is unlikely that he was smashed against the rocks," a police source said.

Police think that the victim had got up early to go for a swim and, for reasons which have yet to be confirmed, drowned. Perhaps, one police officer said, he slipped amongst the rocks.

The results of the autopsy will reveal the exact cause of death.