Frenchman with amputated limbs completes Channel swim

Doctors were forced to amputate Mr Croizon's limbs following an electrical accident

A Frenchman whose arms and legs had to be amputated following an electrical accident has successfully completed his attempt to swim the English Channel.

Philippe Croizon had set off from Folkestone in Kent at 0645 BST.

The 42-year-old, who swims using prosthetic legs, finished the 21 mile (34km) challenge by reaching Cap Gris Nez in more than 14 hours.

Sixteen years ago, Mr Croizon suffered a severe electric shock while removing a television aerial from a roof.

A current surged through him from a nearby powerline and doctors were forced to amputate his limbs.

Mr Croizon reached the French coast at 2013 BST, far ahead of the 24 hours he had set himself.

His team believe this is a record time for a disabled swimmer.

Mr Croizon told the BBC that at no point did he feel he was not going to make it, despite pains and aches all over his body.

Philippe Croizon's father said his son had had favourable wind conditions and had even had three dolphins swimming alongside him for a period- a "sign of good luck".

Mr Croizon had been preparing for the challenge for two years.