A body was found on a beach this afternoon. 

Emergency services were called to Shoreham beach just after 2.30pm after a call came in from someone walking along the seafront. 

The Coastguard helicopter searched the area and Shoreham RNLI looked up and down the seafront between Shoreham and Lancing.

Emergency services concealed the body on the beach. 

The Argus: Police and Coastguard using a blanket to conceal the bodyPolice and Coastguard using a blanket to conceal the body (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to Lancing beach around 2.35pm on Friday March 29 after a body was discovered by a member of the public.

"Officers are currently in attendance at the scene and no further information is available at this time."

It is understood the Coastguard were called as there were concerns the tide could take the body into the water.

A bystander told The Argus: "It is horrifying, we thought it was something to do with an unexploded ordinance on the beach at first but then we found out it was a body.

"There was a huge emergency services presence down there. They taped off quite a big cordon on the scene. 

"There were coastguard, police and a helicopter. Quite a few people were watching."

A Coastguard spokeswoman said: "HM Coastguard was alerted to an incident at Shoreham just after 2.50pm this afternoon. The police and ambulance service were also sent."