A man has been found dead on a beach in northern France, with authorities investigating whether his death could be connected to an attempted crossing of the English Channel.

The body was discovered on Wednesday at Neufchatel-Hardelot beach in Pas-de-Calais, according to a statement from the local prefecture cited by The Independent. The Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

French media reports said investigators would examine whether the death was linked to attempts by migrants to reach Britain by sea.

The discovery came a day after controversy erupted over footage involving anti-migration activist Danny Tommo, who was filmed damaging an inflatable boat carrying people attempting to cross the Channel.

Tommo, whose real name is Daniel Thomas, was shown approaching one of the dinghies and puncturing it with a knife while a rescue worker was onboard. The footage showed the worker later moving onto a larger emergency vessel.

The incident has drawn condemnation from migrant and civil rights organisations. The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants described the action as dangerous, while Stand Up to Racism also criticised the activist over the footage.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said inquiries were being conducted into the incident. Thomas, who founded the anti-migration group Patriot Platform and has been associated with activist Tommy Robinson, has also been involved in protests against migration in Portsmouth and Dover.