Woman arrested in river incident released on bail

The body of Simon Dodds was discovered in the area of the River Kent near Levens Lane earlier last month following a three-day major multi agency rescue search.

The 30-year-old woman from Ambleside was arrested on Monday but has since been released on police bail.

Police, fire and mountain rescue teams were mobilised at around 6.40am on August 11 when the alarm was raised following reports that a man and a woman were in difficulty in the River Kent near Kendal.

A 30-year-old woman was “located out of the water” but the man was still missing.

An extensive search continued and at around 3pm on Tuesday, August 13, the body of a 43-year-old man who has since been identified as Mr Dodds, was discovered a mile downstream at Levens Lane.

Mr Dodds ran the newsagents on Church Street in Ambleside and lived above the shop.

The store has not re-opened following the incident.

He was a familiar figure in the town and many people who knew Mr Dodds have been paying their respects following the announcement of his death.

One local resident described the newsagent as a “very friendly man who served his customers loyally,” and a “nice man who always said hello”.

Tributes have also been made on social media including messages saying: “RIP Simon”, “Thoughts are with his family” “My condolences to the family, so sorry for your loss” and “RIP dodsy”.

A neighbour said: “He would do anything to help anybody” and “RIP Simon, you are gone but never forgotten.”

Another added: “I just can’t believe it. Simon was a lovely man and the best dad kids could have, sending prayers.”

Detectives are continuing their appeal for witnesses or anyone who has dashcam footage taken in the area of Nannypie Lane. They also want to hear from anyone who might have seen a vehicle in the nearby lay-by between 9pm on Saturday August 10 and 7am on Sunday, August 11 to come forward.

An inquest into Mr Dodds’ death is due to be held on January 16, 2020.