A ST HELENS man found dead in Southport’s Marine lake was facing charges of making indecent images of children.

Stephen Barlow, of Napier Street, West Park, had appeared before St Helens Magistrates' Court charged with seven counts of making indecent images of children on Friday, May 24.

The 58-year-old, did not enter a plea, and was released on conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on June 21 after it was ruled he should stand trial.

The offences were alleged to have taken place between June and December 2015.

On Saturday, June 4 police received a call from a member of the public who reported seeing a body in the water at Southport Marine Lake.

Police confirmed his identity as Stephen Barlow on Tuesday.

A post mortem has revealed Mr Barlow died from drowning.

Detectives are keen to establish how Mr Barlow came to be in Southport and his movements leading up to his death and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone who has information which could help the enquiry is asked to call Sefton CID on 0151 777 3059, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.