A BODY has been found after a woman was reported missing off the coast of Bournemouth.

RNLI and Lifeboat crews were scrambled on Saturday morning after clothes and a note were found on the shore. A body was retrieved by Coastguards after being spotted by a passing yacht at 11.50am.

A member of the public had found belongings, including a hotel room key, bag and bus pass, near a groyne in Undercliff Drive and contacted Dorset Police.

RNLI beach lifeguards also scoured the area, while the Coastguard began alerting craft in the area to keep a watch out.

Just after 9am a number of Thundercat race boats and their drivers, gathering for a race off the Pier, also joined the hunt.

Portland Coastguard Duty Watch Manager Ros Evans said the woman was thought to have visited the beach at around 5am.

Anyone with information should call the Coastguard at Portland on 01305 760439.