Police investigating death of woman on Co Down beach

Body found on east end of beach shortly after 3pm by man out walking his dog

Police have launched an investigation after the body of a woman was discovered on Tyrella beach in Co Down on Tuesday afternoon.

The body was found on the east end of the beach shortly after 3pm by a man walking his dog.

Local Sinn Féin Assembly member Chris Hazzard expressed his condolences to the family of the dead woman and said the local community was shocked by the discovery.

The South Down SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie said news of the death "has brought immense shock and sadness in the area".

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty is the former Northern editor of The Irish Times