UPDATE 8.57AM: A body has been found in the water off Pilot Bay, near Mount Maunganui, this morning.

Police cordons are in place along the boardwalk on The Mall and people are advised to avoid the area.

A police spokesperson told SunLive that Tauranga Police are responding to "a report of a woman found deceased in the water".

"Police were called at 8.05am.

" Enquiries will be made into the circumstances of her death.

"Formal identification will also take place."

EARLIER:

Police are dealing with an incident at Pilot Bay this morning.

Cordons have been established along the boardwalk on The Mall.

A SunLive reporter near the scene says there are several police cars.

"Police have cordoned off the boardwalk from Pacific Ave down to Prince Ave."

There are reports a body may have been found, but this has not yet been confirmed by police.

People are advised to avoid the area.

SunLive has contacted police for more information and will provide an update as soon as we can.

More to follow.