A man's body has been found floating in the sea near the shore at Kingsdown beach.

Police were called after someone reported seeing a body in the water at around 8.20am today.

Police have confirmed the report, made near Wellington Parade, which is just down from the Zetland Arms, but no further information is available.

Sea defence workers made the grim find just after 8am this morning and called emergency services.

Walmer Lifeboat was launched when the alarm was raised.

Police spokesman Jon Green said: "We were called at 8.20am and officers are there at the scene conducting inquiries."

"The body was that of a man."

He has since been identified as a local man aged in his 50s. His next of kin is aware.

A private ambulance removed the body from the scene at about 12.20pm.