New swimming warning after substance washes up

Residents are being asked to stay out of the water off the north Thanet coast

People in parts of Thanet have had a fresh warning not to swim in the sea as a "dark organic matter" has washed up, a council has said.

Thanet District Council (TDC) said on Thursday afternoon the material was "not oil" and was "odourless and leaves no residue".

As a precaution TDC has advised against entering the water at Minnis Bay, West Bay, St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate, and Westbrook Bay, Margate.

A council spokesperson said it did not appear to be the same substance as previously found at Minnis Bay earlier this month.

Dog owners have been asked to keep their dogs on a lead at all times when on the beaches in these locations.

A TDC spokesperson said: "We are actively monitoring the coastline to assess the extent of the incident and are in contact with the Environment Agency, the Coastguard and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

"We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops."

The incident comes less than 24 hours after TDC gave the all-clear for swimming at Minnis Bay after an unrelated incident.

It followed the discovery of dead ragworms, lugworms and shellfish on 20 May.