A woman who sparked a concern for welfare alert was later found dead, police have said.

There was a big police response in the Poundbury area yesterday evening as officers conducted a search.

The police helicopter was used in the operation and residents commented about its searchlight being used to scan the area. An ambulance was also seen in the area.

Dorset Police said they were alerted to a concern for welfare call at just after 5.45pm yesterday.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We received a call at 5.47pm on Monday, January 29 raising concern for the welfare of a woman believed to be in the Dorchester area.

"Following searches by officers, a woman was found unresponsive in the Poundbury Hill area at around 7pm. Sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and the woman’s next of kin have been informed. The coroner has been notified.

"Our thoughts are with the woman’s loved ones at this difficult time."