Major crime scene as woman's body washes up on a Sydney beach

A woman found dead on a Sydney beach yesterday morning is still yet to be identified.

Two women who were exercising on North Cronulla Beach around 5am discovered the woman lying face down and went over to check on her welfare.

Sutherland Shire police have described the woman as being between 16 and 30 years of age, of Indian or sub-continental appearance, with a slim build and long dark hair.

Police say she was wearing a long-sleeved black turtleneck top with maroon pants and black sneakers.

A post-mortem examination to determine the woman’s cause of death is scheduled for today.

Early inquiries have not helped to identify the woman, with her description not matching anyone on the missing persons list.

“We have no one who actually saw the lady but we are in the infancy and we will be out tonight canvassing that area again of Prince Street and surrounding areas around the beachfront,” Detective Chief Inspector Terry O’Neill said.

Sutherland Shire police area command, assisted by the Homicide Squad, are appealing to the community for assistance with their investigations.

Det. Chief Insp. O’Neill told a media conference that their sole aim at the moment was to identify the woman.

A police helicopter also conducted a search of the area this morning.

“We had PolAir do a flyover of the ocean to see if there were any flotations or anything in the water,” Det. Chief Insp. O’Neill said.

One resident who spoke to 9NEWS said she was shocked after learning about the discovery.

Janice Reynolds said she didn't know what had happened until police came to her house.

"We had a knock on the door around 5.30am and it was the police - and they said there was somebody washed up on the beach," she said.

"A lot of people are walking early in the morning but you just don't know how that can happen."

She said the news came as a huge shock to those living in the area.

"We saw the police and tent and all that sort of thing so we knew it was something bad," she said.

"You always hear of murders further out or different things, but not on the beach not around here."

The woman's body washed up just metres from the promenade which is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists.

Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.