POLICE are continuing to investigate the sudden death of a woman whose body was found at Carlisle's Hammonds Pond.

Earlier today, there was a major police response centred on the park, with several emergency vehicles seen rushing to the area.

Cumbria Police have confirmed that the body of the woman who died has now been removed from where she was found.

The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was found shortly after 7.30am by a person who was walking a dog in the Upperby park.

Police responded quickly, sealing off every major entrance to the park.

In a statement, a police spokesman said: "Police were called at about 7.39am today to a report of the sudden death of a woman in Hammonds Pond park, Carlisle.

"Whilst the circumstances are not being treated as suspicious, the death is being treated as unexplained at this time.

"Inquiries are ongoing.

"At this time the park is closed to the public."

Witnesses said they saw a police scenes of crime team arrive at the park earlier today.

Several police vehicles were seen rushing to the scene at around 8am and police officers cordoned off every entrance with blue and white police incident tape.

No member of the public is being allowed into the park.

The park has long been a popular destination for families and children, with a cafe, children's play areas, a boating lake, junior football pitches, and a miniature railway.