A MAJOR police probe has been launched after the body of a woman was found on Inverkip beach yesterday morning.

The emergency services were called to the scene after a passer-by made the tragic discovery and immediately raised the alarm.

Officers sealed off the area straight away as a convoy of police vehicles arrived on the scene.

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Police could be seen standing guard at an area on the shorefront, which is popular with walkers.

Greenock detectives say they are carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances around the sudden death.

An eyewitness at the scene told the Tele: "There were police cars everywhere.

"It was a very distressing scene.

"There were people who were very upset, one man was in tears and the police cordoned off that area of the beach and the coastal path.

"It is absolutely tragic."

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An ambulance was also called to the scene as the incident unfolded.

Chief Inspector Debbie Reilly of Greenock police, told the Telegraph that the investigation into the death is ongoing.

The area commander said: "We were called to Inverkip beach at 9.45am.

"I can confirm that the body of a female was found on the beach by a passer-by.

"Police enquiries surrounding the death are ongoing."