Woman's body found in water off island beach

The body of a woman in her 70s has been found in water off a beach, police have said.

Officers were called to Shanklin on the Isle of Wight to reports the body of a woman had been spotted in the water.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

An HM Coastguard spokesperson said they were called at about 09:30 BST.

Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams attended the scene, alongside a lifeboat from Bembridge RNLI and the coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent.

The force spokesperson said the woman was yet to be formally identified, but her next of kin had been informed.

They added: "A file will be prepared for the coroner in relation to this unexpected death."

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