Police are investigating a body found at the base of a cliff in Vaucluse that is believed to be linked to the death of a Sydney school staff member.

“A police operation is currently underway to retrieve a body in Vaucluse,” NSW Police said in a statement. “No further information is available at this time.”

Rescue crews are expected to attempt to retrieve the body again this afternoon as the chopper was called off due to strong winds and rain.

The body was discovered just after 8am this morning and is believed to be 24-year-old Paul Thijssen, the ex-partner and suspected killer of 21-year-old water polo instructor Lilie James, who was found at St Andrew’s Cathedral School late Wednesday night.

The police were searching for links to the suspect as they traced a 000 call to ‘The Gap’ clifftop at Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse. They came across the body after finding a backpack and some of Thijssen’s belongings.

Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman confirmed an item linked to James’ death was discovered amongst some of Thijssen’s possessions — presumed to be a hammer.

On the day of James’ death, both James and Thijssen were seen on CCTV entering the school gym’s bathroom, but Thijssen was the only one to leave an hour later. He allegedly called the police four hours later to inform them of a body that should be investigated.

“The actual scene itself is quite confronting for the police who turned up,” Fileman said. “From her injuries, it was apparent she was a victim of a homicide.”

Thijssen was a former student and was working there as a sports assistant. He and James were dating for a few weeks prior before she called it off.

The school will remain closed for another day for all students other than year 12s sitting exams.

“No students were involved and there is no ongoing threat,” a St Andrew’s spokesperson said. “An area of the school, not accessible to students, is a crime zone, and we await the approval of police before bringing everyone back on site.”

The investigation is ongoing and the body is yet to officially be identified.

Photo: Diamond Bay Reserve by Yudi available HERE and used under a Creative Commons License. This image has not been modified.