THE body of an elderly woman has been discovered in the river at Tuckton.

Police have cordoned off an area next to Tuckton Tea Gardens, with officers remaining at the scene.

Dorset Police received a report at 9.21am on Tuesday, October 29, that the body of a woman in her 80s was discovered in the river off Belle Vue Road in Bournemouth.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “The death is not being treated as suspicious, and the woman’s next of kin has been informed.

"The coroner has also been notified. Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

The cordon remains outside Tuckton Tea Rooms; however, the business is open as usual.

One resident, who has lived in the area for 15 years, said: “It’s really horrible and not something you expect to see in this area.”

A fire engine and ambulance were reportedly at the scene but have since left.

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 09:25hrs on Monday 29 October to an incident in Bournemouth.

"We sent two double-crewed land ambulances and an operations officer to the scene.”

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene at 9.27am to assist with a rescue from the water. 

One fire crew from Christchurch and our technical rescue team from Poole attended.

Fire crews left the scene at 10.01am.