Police officer found dead on UK beach as locals told 'avoid area'

NewsUK NewsPSNIA police officer was found dead on a beach in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, on Sunday, according to local reports08:53, 18 May 2026Updated 09:30, 18 May 2026A police officer has been found dead on a beach in Northern Ireland, according to local reports.‌The body of a man, who is understood to have been a detective inspector, was discovered at Whiterocks Beach in Portrush, Co Antrim, on Sunday.‌Emergency services were called to the scene following the tragic discovery. Cordons were put in place and members of the public were asked to avoid the area, Belfast Live reports.‌Alderman Richard Brown Stewart, deputy mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said the incident was "a shocking discovery for the town"."I was deeply saddened to learn of the discovery of a body at the Whiterocks beach this morning," he said.‌"My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time for them."I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services and all those involved in responding to the incident with professionalism, dignity and care. I would ask people to respect the privacy of the family as investigations continue."A PSNI spokesperson previously said: "Police are currently in attendance after a body was found on the beach in Whiterocks today, Sunday May 17. Cordons are in place and the public is asked to avoid the area at this time."Article continues belowIt came after the body of another man was discovered several hours earlier in the river in Kilbroney Park near Rostrevor, Co Down.A PSNI spokesperson said officers were called to the area at 8.45am on Sunday. "A post-mortem will take place in due course, however at this time, the death is not being treated as suspicious," the spokesperson said.Speaking about the man found in Kilbroney Park, local independent councillor Mark Gibbons said: "I would like to sincerely thank the emergency services for the care, professionalism and dignity shown in dealing with this deeply sad incident, as well as the members of the public who were first at the scene this morning and did all they could to help in such difficult and distressing circumstances."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Breaking NewsPSNINorthern Ireland