Armed police seal off seafront (From Thurrock Gazette)

Armed police seal off seafront

2:59pm Tuesday 13th March 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Armed police have sealed off a seaside town amid concerns for a woman's welfare.

The incident in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, near Redcar, Cleveland, has forced officers to close the seafront.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "A number of officers are currently at the scene and a cordon has been put in place to prevent public access to an area close to the sands and to ensure public safety.

"Officers have concerns for a female's welfare, however no further details can be issued at this stage.

"Saltburn Bank is closed to traffic therefore there may be congestion on Marske Road and on the road between Saltburn and Brotton."

A photo of a woman lying on a path close to the bottom of a grassy bank as an armed officer looks on has appeared on Twitter.

According to one report, a police helicopter and a number of armed officers were at the scene.

The woman was said to be surrounded by officers who have protective shields.