The family of a man found dead along Southend seafront were due to formally identify his body.

Police believe he was a 62-year-old man from Hornchurch, but would not say why he was in the town.

His name is likely to be made public today.

The man's body was discovered by two children, at 7.30am, on Monday, next to Sealife Adventure, along Eastern Esplanade.

Murder squad detectives were initially called in but a post mortem examination revealed the man's death was not suspicious. Further tests are required to confirm the cause of death.

He was found lying on his back, fully clothed, with his head facing the Thames estuary.

Following the discovery, police sealed off the area around Sealife Adventure and the car park next door.

The popular tourist attraction closed for the day but reopened yesterday.

Manager Lucy Hodge said: "We were just closed for the day which is understandable considering the circumstances."