Stranded whale found in Pegwell Bay starved to death

A sperm whale found dead off the coast of Kent starved to death, an initial report has found.

The 45ft-long whale was found stranded on a beach in Pegwell Bay at about 0730 GMT on Thursday.

A preliminary post-mortem investigation found the juvenile male had not eaten for some time and was dehydrated.

Work is under way to cut up the carcass, which will be buried in landfill with some of its bones going to the Natural History Museum.

A cordon has been put in place around the whale in order to protect the public.

An HM Coastguard spokesman said: "It could be dangerous due to bacteria and it will probably get quite smelly."

A footpath along the cliff-top has also been closed off under the Highways Act, and trespassers face possible arrest.