The death of a person in the sea off Freshwater Bay is not being treated as suspicious, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed.

Island coastguard teams were alerted at 9.34am this morning (Thursday, December 28) to reports that a person was in the water.

Lifeboat and coastguard rescue teams from across the Island rushed to Freshwater Bay, along with the search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent.

Police and ambulance crews were also informed and attended the scene.

The incident had initially been declared a search and rescue operation but was stood down following the discovery of a body in the water.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and IW Constabulary said: “Our enquiries are ongoing; however, the death is not being treated as suspicious and the Coroner has been informed.”