A woman has tragically collapsed and died at a popular beach in Dorset.

Emergency services rushed to Durdle Door this afternoon following reports that a woman needed medical attention. A cordon was put in place while police, paramedics and the Coastguard worked at the scene.

Sadly, Dorset Police confirmed that despite the best efforts of paramedics who performed CPR, the woman, in her 30s, was pronounced at the scene. Today has been declared the hottest day of the year so far, with many Brits going to beaches and park to enjoy the sun.

Did you witness the tragedy at Durdle Door today? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk

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A person who was at Durdle Door today said the beach was "fairly crowded" because of the good weather when the woman sadly passed away. The eyewitness told the Dorset Echo: "I saw paramedics surrounding someone on the beach.

"Coastguards, meanwhile were clearing people off the beach so the helicopter could land. It was fairly crowded because of the good weather.

"Weymouth Lifeboat was also on scene and two crew members came ashore in a small boat." The eyewitness added: "The Coastguard helicopter landed on part of the beach and the crew went to the scene of the incident where the other emergency workers were.

"It later took off and landed again at the top of the cliff. The lifeboat crew also returned to the boat. The casualty was then taken to a vehicle on a stretcher."

Dorset Police said the woman's next-of-kin has been informed and her death is not being treated as suspicious. A spokesperson for the force said: "We received a report at 1.13pm of a woman in need of medical attention at Durdle Door beach. Officers attended alongside the ambulance service and HM Coastguard and a cordon was put in place.

"Very sadly the woman, aged in her 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin has been informed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time. The death is not being treated as suspicious."

It is not known if the woman had been in the water prior to her dying or had suffered a medical episode on the beach. Durdle Door is one of Dorset's most photographed and iconic landmarks.

It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is an extremely popular beauty spot. The popular beach often welcomes large crowds on warm days.