POLICE are appealing for information after naming the woman who was found dead on the beach at Morecambe this morning.

The body of 51-year-old Susan Alston was discovered by a passer-by beneath the high tide line near the clock tower at around 5.30am.

Officers believe Ms Alston, from Lancaster, had been out with friends in Morecambe last night.

“We are currently treating the death of Susan as unexplained," said Detective Superintendent Neil Esseen.

"Her family have been informed and are obviously desperate to find out what happened to her.

"So far we have established that the last sighting of Susan was at 2am this morning on Pedder Street, Morecambe and we really need anyone who may have seen her after this time to come forward and speak to us, so that we can piece together events and bring comfort to her family.

"It is vital that we establish how Susan came to be on the beach."

Ms Alston is described as being white, around 5’2 with fair hair. She was wearing black trousers, black wedge platform shoes, a blue ‘sparkly’ top and a beige jacket.

Police closed off a large section of beach and promenade as they conducted enquiries, while a post-mortem was held this afternoon.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said Ms Alston may have been in the water at some point.

Anybody with information is now urged to contact police on 101.