A soldier has been found dead near one of Britain's most famous landmarks, authorities have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to the port area of Dover, near the iconic White Cliffs, at around 7pm on Tuesday.

There they found the body of a man aged in his 40s. Police said the circumstances were not being treated as suspicious.

The British Army has since confirmed that the man was a soldier, who sources say was based nearby.

A person said to be close to the deceased claims he was stationed in Sir John Moore Barracks in Folkestone.

It is claimed the soldier, who has not been named, was from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, but this has not been confirmed.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police were called to the port area of Dover following a report of a body found at around 7pm on Tuesday.

"Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time..."

"HM Coastguard and the South East Coast Ambulance Service were also in attendance.

"A man in his 40s was confirmed deceased.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be compiled for the coroner."

An Army spokesperson said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm the death of soldier on April 26.

"Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time."