'Body' washed ashore with timber

The suit, thought to be from the ship, was in timber washed up on Seaford beach following the sinking of the Ice Prince cargo ship off the Dorset coast last week.

Beaches along the south coast were put on red alert for arrival of material from the ship and many were closed.

The wood reached Seaford beach at the weekend.

There have been reports of people taking the wood.

Sussex Police and Lewes District Council warned potential scavengers .

A council spokesman said: 'In the event of any timber planks washed up in the area, you are reminded that all items of recovered wreck must, by law, be reported to the receiver of wreck.

'Failure to report is an offence under section 236 of the merchant shipping act 1995.

'Please do not remove any timber from the beach.

'Police forces have been authorised by the receiver of wreck to act on her behalf. People failing to comply with their directions could be committing an offence for which they may, on conviction, be fined up to 2,500 - and may be arrested.

'A contractor has been appointed for the removal of the timber and will do so as soon as possible.'

Wood has also washed ashore at Newhaven and Birling Gap.

Anyone who has found timber should contact the Maritime Coastal Agency on 02392 559021 or 02392 559022.

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