POLICE made a discovery that led to a body being winched up Beachy Head this morning.

Officers were called to the cliffs near Eastbourne at about 3.25pm on Christmas Eve to help someone.

But while they were there they made an altogether separate find close to the cliff edge: a pile of clothes, a jacket, a wallet, some money and some car keys.

They used the car keys and some ID in the wallet to start making enquiries.

Soon after, the search for a body began.

One person was recovered this morning by coastguard teams and brought to the top at 8.30am.

A police spokeswoman said: “Due to the inclement weather and darkness it was decided that the person would be recovered [on Christmas] morning.

“Next of kin enquiries are in hand.”

The cause of death cannot be determined until a coroner gives their verdict.