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Two bodies recovered from beneath the cliffs at Whitby

Police have launched an investigation after two bodies were discovered in Whitby.

They were found beneath the cliffs at Whitby Abbey yesterday evening (Wednesday).

A member of the public called the police at 7.16pm after spotting a man and woman on the rocks below.

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A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “With the tide coming in fast, the coastguard coordinated a helicopter recovery to ambulance crews near Whitby Abbey.

“This was completed at 8.24pm.

Whitby Abbey and cliffs. Photograph: Sean Pavone / Dreamstime

“Paramedics confirmed the deaths, and the bodies have been taken to hospital by ambulance.”

Police are working to trace the next of kin of the man and woman while the investigation continues into the circumstances of the sudden deaths for a coroner’s report.

Witnesses to the incident or anyone with information that could assist officers are asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 12250141734.