Police officer found dead on beach in Ireland

The public have been asked to avoid the area

Emergency services attended the scene where the body of a man, believed to have been a detective inspector with the PSNI, was found.

Cordons were set up at Whiterocks beach in Portrush, Co Antrim on Sunday with the public being asked to stay away from the beach, as per Belfast Live.

Alderman Richard Brown Stewart, deputy mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said the incident was "a shocking discovery for the town".

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the discovery of a body at the Whiterocks beach this morning," he said.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time for them.

"I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services and all those involved in responding to the incident with professionalism, dignity and care. I would ask people to respect the privacy of the family as investigations continue."

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a man whose body was located on the beach in Whiterocks on Sunday, 17th May.

“A post mortem examination will be carried out to establish the cause of the death, which is not believed to be suspicious.”

This is the second incident of a body being discovered within a few hours.

The remains of a male were also discovered at a popular beauty spot in Co Down.

Police said they are not treating this death as suspicious.