Body discovered at Irish beach as cops cordon off scene & ‘avoid the area' alert issued to public as probe launched
A BODY has been found on an Irish beach sparking a major emergency services incident this afternoon.
Police responded to the incident at Donaghadee Road, Millisle village in
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It's understood the person's body was found below the road on the beach by someone who had been walking in the area, who then raised the alarm.
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The PSNI said in a statement: "Police are currently in attendance after a body was found on the beach in the Donaghadee Road area of Millisle today, Wednesday 21st May.
"Cordons are in place and the public is asked to avoid the area."
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Images from the area today showed police officers in forensic gear attending the scene.
Ulster Unionist Party Councillor for Ards Peninsula in Ards & North Down Borough Council Pete Wray said the body was "brought in from the sea".
He added: "Sadly I can confirm that a body has been found on Millisle beach this afternoon.
"Initial reports indicate the body has been brought in from the sea.
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"PSNI remain at the scene and I would ask everyone to give them the time and space to conduct their investigation.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family who will be impacted by this and the individual who found the body."
'SHOCKED BY THE NEWS'
North Down DUP MLA Stephen Dunne told the Belfast Telegraph: "I was shocked by the news that a body had been discovered on a quiet beach in Millisle.
"My thoughts and prayers are with this individual's family and friends at this most difficult time.
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"Millisle is a tight-knit community, and there is understandably a great deal of concern locally after what has been a distressing week for the village.
"I will be working with the PSNI to ensure the local community feels safe and reassured, but I would urge everyone to give the police the space and time needed to conduct their investigations and avoid unnecessary speculation at this time."
SEPARATE INCIDENT
It comes after two people were rushed to hospital on Saturday, May 17 after a car was driven into a crowd of drinkers at a pub in the same town.
The PSNI received a report at around 11.05pm that a car had collided with a number of people outside a licensed premises on Main Street.
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Detective Inspector Oonagh Ryan said: "It was reported that the vehicle involved turned around and drove past the licensed premises again before making off from the scene.
"Officers, along with colleagues from NIAS attended the scene and two people were taken to hospital for treatment of their injuries, which have been described as serious."
The car was later discovered outside Walkers Lane in the town.
Cops in Millisle arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder and driving offences following the incident.
The 47-year-old has since been released on bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out, the PSNI said.
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A body has been found on an Irish beach sparking a major emergency services incident
Credit: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye
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