Shock after woman's body found on Tyrella beach

A body has been found on Tyrella beach near Newcastle in Co Down, police have said.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Feb 2016, 18:46 BST

Updated 2nd Feb 2016, 18:50 BST

The discovery was made around 3.10pm on Tuesday.

It understood the body is that of a middle-aged woman who is reported to have been swimming in the area.

Police officers have cordoned off the area and were searching a number of outbuildings close to the beach early on Tuesday evening.

A PSNI spokesman said: “Police are in attendance at the find of a body on a beach in Newcastle at approximately 3.10pm on Tuesday 2 February. There are no further details at this time.”

South Down MLA Chris Hazzard said the discovery of the woman’s body on Tyrella’s east strand has “shocked and saddened” the local community.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of this woman at this sad and difficult time,” he said.