POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a mother, believed to be originally from the Blackpool area, drowned in rough seas by North Pier at the weekend.

Lisa Berry died after plunging over railings opposite Talbot Square, Blackpool, shortly after 11.30pm on Saturday, September 1. She was swept away by rough seas and her body was pulled out by a lifeboat crew one-and-a-quarter hours later.

The 37-year-old was visiting her parents in Cleveleys with husband Mark Berry, when the tragedy occurred. Mr and Mrs Berry hadn't been married long and were living in Chorley with their five-month-old baby Thomas.

The coastguard was alerted to the incident by her husband Mark.

The whole family is traumatised. Mr Berry's mother Kathleen said: "We're in such a state and Mark is not fit to speak to anyone at the moment. He is trying his best to cope, but is so mixed up right now. He hasn't been able to watch the television or hear the news as he is so distraught." A police spokesman said: "A police helicopter was called out and the coastguard launched a number of lifeboats from Blackpool and Lytham.

"At 12.35am on Sunday, Mrs Berry was sighted by the three-man crew of Blackpool lifeboat, but the sea was so rough they had to wait before they could reach her.

"At 12.50am her body was removed from the sea and brought ashore to the lifeboat station where paramedics attended. She was then taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where she was formally pronounced dead."

He also praised the lifeboat crew who had worked so hard to try to save Mrs Berry: "They are certainly brave men indeed and did a tremendous job in recovering the lady as quickly as they did, albeit to no avail."

Police are asking witnesses to call them on 293933.

A post mortem examination was carried out earlier this week confirmed death by drowning and an inquest has been opened.