by Peter Barnett

An investigation is under way after coastguards rescued the body of an elderly woman from the sea at Epple Bay near Birchington.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the 84 year old who was spotted in the sea around noon yesterday (Thursday).

Coastguard Kelvin Godfrey waded into the strong swell off the undercliff to retrive the fully clothed body.

Fellow coastguard Pete Overton who held him secure by a rope in the rescue said: "It is likely she had not been in the sea for very long at all. The waves were pretty powerful with a strong undercurrent.

"Police and paramedics were at the scene but there was nothing that could be done to revive the woman."

Coastguards say it is the third time the body of an elderly woman has been retrieved from the sea in this area in the last year.

A post mortem was due to take place today (Friday). The facts have been reported to Thanet coroner Rebecca Cobb and an inquest will be held.