The body of a woman who has not been seen since she ran into the sea at Brighton has been found further along the coast.

A huge hunt was launched for Joanna Brown, of Ewart Street, Hanover, Brighton, who vanished after running into the sea at 2am on December 21.

Miss Brown, 36, was strolling along the shore with a friend when she ran into the waves.

It was very windy and despite huge search efforts she was not found until December 28 at 8am when her body washed onto the beach at Cuckmere Haven, near Seaford.

A member of the public alerted police, who identified missing Miss Brown. 

A Sussex Police statement said: “A member of the public discovered the body of a woman on the beach at Cuckmere Haven.

“The body has now been identified as that of 36-year-old Joanna Brown, of Ewart Street, Brighton, who had not been seen since she ran into the sea at the beach in Brighton.

“Her reason for running into the water is still not clear, but her death is not being treated as suspicious and the Brighton and Hove coroner's officer is continuing enquiries.”

The Argus would like to pay tribute to Miss Brown.

Please email Anna Roberts.