A rescue helicopter has been dispatched after the body of a woman in her 70s was discovered.

A rescue helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent was sent to Shanklin on the Isle of Wight today (September 8) after reports that a body had been spotted in the water. 

She was pronounced dead at the scene though formal identification is yet to take place. 

Her next of kin has been informed and police say a file will now be prepared for the coroner. 

READ MORE: Hampshire police seize illegal vapes being sold in St Mary's 

An HM Coastguard spokesperson added: “We responded to reports of a person in the water in Shanklin this morning.

“Alerted at around 9.30am, Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams, a lifeboat from Bembridge RNLI and the coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent were sent to the scene.”