The body of a man has been found on a North-East beach.

The male, aged 40, was found on Whitley Bay beach at 6.55am yesterday morning (Saturday, November 30).

Northumbria police attended the scene and are yet to establish his identity.

It is not yet known how he died although police believe there is no third party involvement.

Ice cream parlour owner Luciano Di-Meo said: "It is a shocking thing to happen on our door step."

A report has been prepared for the coroner.