The body of a woman has been found in water off a beach on the Isle of Wight.

Officers from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary attended the scene in town of Shanklin to a report that the body of a woman had been spotted in the water

The woman, believed to be in her 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her identity is currently unknown.

The waterfront in Shanklin (file pic)

Bembridge and Ventnor coastguard rescue teams, Bembridge RNLI lifeboat and the coastguard rescue helicopter from Lee-in-the-Solent were called out at 9.30am this morning.

A Coastguard spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard responded to reports of a person in the water in Shanklin this morning, September 8.

"Alerted at around 9.30am, Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams, a lifeboat from Bembridge RNLI and the coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent were sent to the scene."

A police spokesperson said: "Formal identification is yet to take place, however her next of kin have been informed and a file will be prepared for the coroner in relation to this unexpected death,"

Shanklin Beach