UPDATE: Body found on Westward Ho! beach

A body which was found on Westward Ho! beach on Saturday has been confirmed as that of a 31-year-old woman.

Police are yet to confirm the circumstances surrounding the death of the woman, who was living in Westward Ho! but not originally from North Devon.

Officers said the body was discovered on the beach, near to Golf Links Road, by a dog walker at around 9.20am Saturday morning. Police were called to the scene and the body was initially taken to Westward Ho! Coastguard Station by a coastguard crew.

Formal identification has not yet taken place although the woman’s next of kin have been informed.

A post mortem examination is expected to be carried out today.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the death was not currently being treated as suspicious.

Officers at the scene said no suspicious injuries were observed on her body.

Swansea Coastguard said they had assisted police but were unable to comment further due to it being a police matter.

People have already taken to Twitter to express their sadness on hearing the news.

Sophie Hellyer wrote: "Sad news about the girl found on Westward Ho! beach this morning... Awful for the family :( #ndevon"

Police are continuing to make enquiries on behalf of the coroner.

Anyone with information which could assist police should call 101 and quote CD/13/69.