Dead whale spotted in Kent

A dead whale has been spotted off the north Kent coast, marine animal rescuers said.

The mammal, reported to be around 20ft long and either a humpback or sperm whale, was seen off the Shellness area of the Isle of Sheppey.

Julia Cable, of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said they were unable to reach the whale because it had refloated.

She said: "Hopefully, the Coastguard will be able to locate the body and if they do the Zoological Society of London will take samples and conduct a post-mortem."

A Thames Coastguard spokeswoman said: "We have informed the local port authority and are just waiting and seeing what happens at low tide."