Police said a passer-by made the grim find near the Manor Steps Zig Zag, a path leading to the beach, off the cliff top at Boscombe Overcliff Drive, in the Dorset coastal resort town, at around 1.10pm on Saturday.

Officers are appealing for information about the circumstances of the death, which is being treated as suspicious.

Dorset Police Detective Inspector Neil Third said: "We are treating this as a murder investigation and our enquiries are ongoing to establish the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding their death.

"I am appealing to anyone with any information regarding this matter, or who has seen any suspicious activity around the area of the Manor Steps Zig Zag in Boscombe in recent days, to please inform police."

An online portal has been set up to receive information, while a cordon remains in place at the scene.

"There will continue to be an increased police presence in the vicinity and officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns," said DI Third.