A BODY has been found in the water off the coast of Portland.

Emergency services were called at 10.41am yesterday to the scene, on the west side of Portland towards Southwell.

Residents in the area reported seeing police officers and 'lots of blue lights' travelling towards the coast yesterday morning.

Another witness said police officers "blocked" the South West Coast path amid "a lot of activity" on the clifftop by the nearby business park.  

Members of HM Coastguard were also in attendance. The identity of the person is not known at this time. 

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police has advised people to avoid the area while investigations are carried out at the scene.

She said: “Dorset Police received a report at 10.41am on Tuesday, September 15 that a body had been found in the water near to Reap Lane on Portland.

“Officers are currently in attendance to recover the body, assisted by HM Coastguard.

“Enquiries are underway to establish the identity of the deceased. 

“We would request that the public avoid the immediate area to ensure a safe working environment for the emergency services.”

A spokeswoman for Maritime & Coastguard Agency said Wyke and Portland Coastguard Rescue Teams are assisting Dorset Police.