A council has urged beachgoers to exercise caution after oil has continued to wash up on a stretch of Kent shoreline for more than a week.

Dover District Council (DDC) sounded the alarm after five birds were affected on beaches between Deal and Sandwich.

Dog walkers and swimmers are among those being asked to take particular care when visiting points between Deal Pier and Sandwich Bay.

The council’s first announcement was made on March 8 after oil, tar and dead seabirds were reportedly washing up on part of the coastline.

Council chiefs at DDC confirmed an “urgent clean-up” was being organised as a probe was launched into the cause of the incident.

But today, people are still being asked to take caution when visiting the coast as more oil deposits are found.

Dog walkers are being asked to keep their pets on leads while swimmers are urged to be aware when using the water.

Equally, anyone who sees substantial deposits or any affected wildlife is being asked to call the council on 01304 821 199 and give a brief description and the location.

A council spokesman confirmed that so far, DDC has found five affected birds.

A spokesperson for the HM Coastguard added their teams received reports of small amounts of oil in locations on the coastline between Kingsdown and Sandwich Bay earlier this month.

“The first report was made at about 1:50pm on March 8,” they said.

“The area has been surveyed by HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Deal, Langdon Battery and Margate.

“HM Coastguard is supporting partner agencies and local authorities.”