The beach at Steamer Point in Christchurch has been sealed off this morning after a body was found.

Police and forensics officers have cordoned off the area. The body was found last night. 

It is understood to be a man's body.

Jo Smith, owner of the Beach Hut Cafe at Steamer Point said a section of the beach has been sealed off.

"They were all here when we turned up this morning", she said.

"There is a boat on the shore and they are in the boat and around it.

"People can still get on the beach and they have been here since last night."

Five police cars are there with around 10 officers.

The coroner has been informed and an inquest will be carried out.

A post-mortem is likely to be carried out later today.

We are now running live updates on this story here.