POLICE have launched an investigation after a body was washed ashore. 

A male body was found this morning (August 2) on Bardsea beach, near Ulverston. 

The body was found by a member of the public at around 9.15am this morning. 

Ulverston Inshore Rescue was called to the scene at about 10am.

Bruce Chattaway, of Ulverston Inshore Rescue, said: "We were paged this morning for our quads to come out and assist in the removal of a body from the beach."

Millom and Furness Coastguards were also called out to assist in the removal of the body which was found on the mud about half a mile off the shore.

It is thought the body was washed up when the tide came in.

Mr Chattaway said: "There was myself and another lad from Ulverston and four others who helped with the removal."

Although such an event is rare, Mr Chattaway is keen to warn people about the danger of the sea.

He said: "You need to watch the tide.

"It comes in at Ulverston like lightening. 

"It's about 10 or 12 knots - it's fast.

"We have put a notice up about tide times at Canal Foot to warn people.

"Be aware of the tides because they do come in fast."

A formal identification of the body has not yet taken place but police are not treating the death as suspicious at this time.