A WOMAN in her 80s who was pulled from the sea in Walton has died.

Emergency services responded to concerns for the wellbeing of a woman at Walton beach on Wednesday evening It is understood she was pulled from the water by members of the public.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Despite the best efforts of the public and paramedics, the woman, who is in her 80s, sadly died.

"Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

"We want to thank the members of the public and partner agencies for their efforts responding to this incident."

Police officers, paramedics, and coastguard crews were called to the scene at about 6.20pm.

A cordon was put in place and beachgoers were asked to leave the area.

Cheryl Holland, who was on the seafront at the time of the emergency response, said: "We were on the beach but got told to get off as it was a crime scene.

"All traffic was stopped and people were stopped too."

HM Coastguard confirmed rescue teams from Walton and Clacton were sent to the scene along with a Helimed helicopter.

The East of England Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.