A dead body has been found on a UK beach sparking a "major incident" for emergency services. Police, forensics and the coastguard have been spotted at the scene in Northern Ireland on Wednesday afternoon.

The body was found on Millisle Beach in County Down. The public are being urged to avoid the area as an investigation is launched.

As reported by Belfast Live, a police spokseperson says: "Police are currently in attendance after a body was found on the beach in the Donaghadee Road area of Millisle today, Wednesday 21st May. Cordons are in place and the public is asked to avoid the area."

Pictures from the scene show forensic officers in attendance. Local councillor Pete Wray confirmed that the body was "brought in from the sea".

He said: "Sadly I can confirm that a body has been found on Millisle beach this afternoon. Initial reports indicate the body has been brought in from the sea.

"PSNI remain at the scene and I would ask everyone to give them the time and space to conduct their investigation.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family who will be impacted by this and the individual who found the body."

Stephen Dunne, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for North Down said he was "shocked" by the discovery. He described the beach as "quiet" and offered his condolences to the family and friend's of the deceased.

He said: "I was shocked by the news that a body had been discovered on a quiet beach in Millisle. My thoughts and prayers are with this individual's family and friends at this most difficult time.

"Millisle is a tight-knit community, and there is understandably a great deal of concern locally after what has been a distressing week for the village.

"I will be working with the PSNI to ensure the local community feels safe and reassured, but I would urge everyone to give the Police the space and time needed to conduct their investigations and avoid unnecessary speculation at this time."

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