Police have not been able to identify the body of a woman who was found on a Hawke's Bay beach.

The body was discovered washed up on Tangoio Beach around 2pm yesterday, and police believe someone must know her.

She is described as being aged between 20 and 40 years old, has long dark hair to her shoulders, is of medium build and about 165cm tall.

'When found, the woman was wearing tight blue jeans and a black bra. She does not have any tattoos or obvious scars.

'The body does not appear to have been in the water for any great length of time.”

Police ask that anyone who has any female family or friends overdue or any information that could help identify the woman that they contact Hawke's Bay Police on 06 831 0700.

Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.