AN East Cleveland woman leapt to her death on Thursday in front of horrified onlookers.

Police were already at the scene with relatives of the woman when she was seen to jump from Huntcliff, Saltburn, at about 2.45pm.

The 51-year-old, who has not been named, was believed to be from Skelton.

A Humber coastguard spokesman said they were alerted by police who requested assistance from them, and the RNLI, when the woman threatened to jump from the cliffs near the Ship Inn.

Redcar's inshore lifeboat and Skinningrove coastguard team were drafted in to assist during the operation.

As they arrived at the incident, the woman was seen to jump. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The coroner has been informed.