Rescuers were unable to save the life of a man, who died in front of onlookers at a busy seafront parade.

Police were called at just before 6.40pm tonight, following concerns for the welfare of a man in the water near Harbour Parade in Ramsgate.

Ambulance crews were called, but were unable to save the 51-year-old man, who died at the scene.

His death is not believed to be suspicious and the matter has been passed to the coroner.

Bethany Chater, of Montague Road, Ramsgate saw the beach cordoned off on her way back home.

She said: "As I approached I saw police cars, an ambulance and crowds of people looking down from the cliff.

"I ventured nearer along the beach and saw paramedics and police and I got there as the air ambulance landed.

"I approached the police because the route I was taking was cordoned off - an officer told me there had been an incident and it appeared an elderly man had drowned and unfortunately wasn't saved in time.

"They had tried to resuscitate him but it was too late.

"I saw the body was covered up but it was very uncomfortable being there especially with so many people watching."

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay passed on his condolences to the man's family on Twitter.

He said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died this evening on the beach at Ramsgate."

Next of kin have been made aware.