A rescue operation was launched at about 11.15pm yesterday after police officers were “made aware of concern for a woman”.

Emergency services, including a Coastguard helicopter, were at the scene conducting the search.

The body of the 73-year-old woman was recovered from the water. There were no suspicious circumstances.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for a woman in the Longniddry area around 11.15pm.

“The body of the 73-year-old was sadly recovered from the Firth of Forth following a search by police and Coastguard.

“She was pronounced dead at the scene.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”