A woman has been pronounced dead on a beach.

Sussex Police confirmed the woman was pronounced dead at the scene after they attended Saltdean beach this afternoon.

A force spokesman said: “Sussex Police responded to concern for the welfare of a woman on Saltdean beach shortly after 1.20pm on Tuesday.

“Emergency services attended and a woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Enquiries are ongoing to identify her and establish the full circumstances of the situation.

“No further information is available at this time.”

A witness reported seeing several police cars at the scene as well as a large group of officers. A blue police tent could be seen near the water line.

The witness said: “We are directly opposite Saltdean Lido and there’s a blue tent erected on one of the groynes. There are plenty of coppers keeping people away.”