A woman found dead on a beach has been confirmed to be a ferry passenger.

Sussex Police went to Seaford after a call from a beachgoer who had found the body of a woman on Saturday, July 29, just after 9pm.

Coastguard rescue teams from Newhaven and Birling Gap also came to the beach to assist police.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police have now confirmed the body was that of Ebla Yusuf.

It is believed the 48-year-old fell into the water while travelling between Portsmouth and the Channel Islands.

A police spokesman said: “We were contacted by Jersey Police on 23 July following a report of the concern for the welfare of a woman, 48-year-old Ebla Yusuf, who was believed to have fallen into the water while travelling on a ferry from Portsmouth to the Channel Islands on 22 July.

“On 29 July at 9.30pm, Sussex Police located a body on the beach in Seaford, East Sussex.

“It has now been confirmed this was the body of Ebla Yusuf. Her family have been notified and the matter will now be passed to Sussex coroner’s office.”