POLICE are investigating after a man was found dead in a car at the bottom of cliffs.

The alarm was raised at 10am this morning (Monday, September 1) when the vehicle was spotted in the sea near the Grotto pub at Marsden, near South Shields.

An RNLI lifeboat crew went to the scene with police, paramedics and firefighters.

The driver of the car, who is thought to have been reported missing earlier, was found dead. There are no suspicious circumstances.

Part of the beach was closed to allow investigations to be carried out.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “Police received a report that a car had gone over the cliffs at just after 10am, today.

“Emergency services were sent to the scene where the driver of the car was found dead. It is believed to be linked to an earlier report of a missing person from South Shields.

“Officers have informed the next of kin and are providing support to them at this time.

“There is not believed to be any third party involvement.

“A report is being prepared for the coroner.”