THE body of a teenager has been found on a beach.

Police were called to Burton Bradstock yesterday afternoon after the body of a 16-year-old boy was found close to the Hive Beach car park.

A Dorset Police spokesman said the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene and the death is not thought to be suspicious.

Officers were called to the beach shortly after 3pm after receiving a report that a body had been discovered on the beach.

The Portland Coastguard helicopter and the West Bay coastguard were called to the scene and the South Western Ambulance also attended.

The police spokeswoman added: “Officers are not looking for anybody else in connection with the incident.

“The coroner is aware and the next of kin has been notified.

“Formal identification has not yet taken place.”

A post-mortem was due to be held into the death.

A Portland Coastguard spokesman said they offered assistance to the South Western Ambulance Service, which was called to the incident, but their help wasn’t required at first.

The boy’s body was later taken to Dorset County Hospital by the coastguard helicopter.

A Burton Bradstock villager, who did not wish to be named, said he saw a coastguard vehicle travelling along the coast road.

He said: “I saw the coastguard going down the road with their lights on at about 4.15pm.”

Graham Moody, chairman of Burton Bradstock Parish Council, described the incident as ‘tragic’.

He said: “It’s tragic to hear about this."

West Dorset District Councillor John Russell, who represents the area, said his thoughts are with the teenager’s family.

He said: “My thoughts are with the family and the next-of-kin.

“With a tragedy such as this one can only be sympathetic.

“The thoughts of the village will be with the family at this time.”

You can leave a tribute to the young man here.