Kayaker death: River warning amid Betws-y-Coed inquiry

North Wales Police are warning canoeists to take care on swollen rivers in Snowdonia after the death of a kayaker at Betws-y-Coed.

An investigation is continuing into how the man was killed near Fairy Glen on the outskirts of the town.

Emergency services were called to the Rivers Conwy and Lledr at 15:31 BST on Saturday.

Police say rivers in the area remain very full and fast flowing after prolonged rainfall.

"All watersports enthusiasts are advised that the rivers are very full and conditions are challenging," said Insp Gareth Jones.

"Caution should be exercised."

The operation to recover the body of the unnamed man involved police, fire service and members of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue team.

Enid Youe, at the nearby Fairy Glen Hotel said the emergency services had to battle extreme conditions in rivers she described as "raging".

"There's a wall the other side of the road from the hotel and the water is up quite high - emergency services have been there for two hours with ropes and ladders because the drop is very steep to the water," she said.

Canoe & Kayak UK online magazine describes the river section at Fairy Glen as "one of the best hard sections of whitewater in the British Isles" and only suitable for experts.

"Treat it with the respect it deserves," advises its guide to the section.

"Its reputation is not unwarranted either, many a skilled paddler has had a near miss and it has proved fatal."