AN ELDERLY woman has died in hospital shortly after being rescued from the sea off Margate. Paramedics, members of Margate inshore lifeboat and Dover coastguard were alerted after a member of the public spotted the woman floating face down in the sea.

The 85-year-old fully clothed woman was unconscious when she was rescued from the freezing water by paramedics. A police spokeswoman said: “One of them stripped off most of his clothes and waded into the water to grab the woman and bring her ashore. He was assisted by a colleague who held a lifeline.”

The woman, who lived in Margate, was found in the sea between Westbrook Bay and the Nayland Rock. She died Margate's Queen Mother Hospital.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The facts have been reported to the coroner and an inquest will be held.