Police have ruled out suspicious circumstances following the discovery of a woman’s body on a beach.

Parts of the footpath and promenade opposite Morrisons supermarket, in Seaburn, Sunderland, were sealed off on Friday, May 1, after emergency services were alerted.

An investigation was launched after the death was initially classed as “unexplained”.

Northumbria Police have now said: “A police presence remained in the area on Friday while officers carried out further inquiries with partner agencies.

A police cordon in place at Seaburn Beach, in Sunderland, following the discovery of a woman's body. Picture by North News and Pictures.

placeholder image — A police cordon in place at Seaburn Beach, in Sunderland, following the discovery of a woman's body. Picture by North News and Pictures.

“Formal identification has now taken place and the woman’s next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and a report will be prepared for the coroner in due course.”