A WOMAN’S body was found washed up on Southend’s seafront, sending shockwaves across the town.

Large parts of the seafront were closed by police yesterday morning, with businesses also shutting due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

The woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene, is believed to have been in her 50s.

Her death isn’t being treated as suspicious.

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Emergency services were called to the scene on Western Esplanade at around 9.15am, with the road immediately shut as a result.

Olivers on the Beach, a seafront cafe, shut its doors to the public and will re-open today.

The Echo understands the discovery of the body was made close to the cafe.

Councillors across Southend paid tribute to the woman after the “deeply saddening” death.

Martin Terry, councillor in charge of community safety, offered his condolences to her friends and family.

He said: “This is deeply saddening. The police need to fully investigate. We’ve got to keep looking out for each other.”

Matt Dent, Labour councillor of the Kursaal ward, added: “I’m incredibly saddened to hear that the body of a woman in her 50s has washed up at Southend seafront.”

Southend taxi firm AC Taxis informed customers over social media of the road closure on Monday morning.

Drivers were directed away from the scene by police.

A spokesman from the taxi firm said: “The seafront was closed in both directions by Olivers on the Beach. Coastguard, police and ambulance were all in attendance.

“What a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the friends and family.”

Essex Police said: “The body of a woman was found in the water along Western Esplanade, Southend.

“Emergency services attended and, sadly, a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. "Her death is currently being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious.”

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