A WOMAN in her 50s was tragically found dead near a John Lewis store at a popular shopping centre.

Emergency crews had been called to Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe, Kent, on Sunday following concerns for a woman’s welfare.

Shoppers said they saw police officers and fire and ambulance crews near John Lewis at around 4.30pm, with the area taped off.

Many of them assumed it had been a training exercise.

However, police patrols found a body, with paramedics confirming that a woman in her 50s had been found dead.

Her next of kin has been informed.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being completed for the coroner.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it had sent two fire engines as well as a water safety unit in order to assist paramedics and officers at the scene.

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