RESIDENTS and campers were shocked after the body of a 21-year-old woman was discovered.

People in Seaford woke to the sound of police entering the Buckle Holiday Park near to the seafront and in the afternoon officers confirmed a young woman's body had been found in a tent.

A 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder after the grim discovery.

A 50th birthday party had been held at the clubhouse on Saturday night and officers were speaking to partygoers, visitors and residents at the park, with translators required for some foreigners staying at the beauty spot off Marine Drive, right next to the beach.

A man at the camp was visibly shocked by what had happened.

The man, who asked not to be named, said: "You just don't expect that to happen. Nothing else has ever happened like this around here before."

Members at the nearby Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club said they were surprised to return to shore and hear what had happened.

One man, who asked not to be named, said: "The police arrived and people saw the forensic officers there. We didn't know anything about it until then."

A man who lives nearby said he suspected there had been a death when he saw so many officers.

"I thought someone may have been killed with so many police going in there," he said.

Police appealed for anyone who had been near the pathway leading from the campsite to the beach and anyone who had been at the 50th birthday party at the clubhouse on Saturday night to speak to them. Officers were alerted to the incident shortly before 7am today.

They confirmed a 28-year-old from Littlehampton had been arrested on suspicion of murder and no one else was being sought in connection with the woman's death.

Detective Inspector Andy Eggleton said: "We would like to speak to anyone who used a footpath giving access to the campsite between midnight and 6.30am on Sunday and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious.

"We are also aware of a 50th birthday party having taken place at the campsite this weekend, and again would ask anyone who attended to come forward, please."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Cobblestone.

Alternatively visit the Crimestoppers website or call the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.