East Kent beaches: Oil deposits and dead birds wash up

An urgent clean-up is taking place between Kingsdown and Sandwich Bay, Dover District Council said

Deposits of oil and some dead seabirds have been washed up on the coast in east Kent, a council has said.

Dover District Council said an urgent clean-up was being organised between Kingsdown and Sandwich Bay, including the Stour estuary.

Thanet District Council said small deposits of oil had also been found and cleared in the Broadstairs and Ramsgate area.

HM Coastguard said the first report was made at about 13:50 GMT on Friday.

It said it was responding with partner agencies and local authorities.

A spokesperson said: "The area has been surveyed by HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft as well as coastguard rescue teams from Deal, Langdon Battery and Margate."

Dover District Council advised residents to keep dogs on leads in the affected area and to keep children away from the oil and any dead marine animals.

It is asking people who may see more substantial deposits of oil or larger dead animals, such as seals, to get in touch.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.