The Coastguard is reminding visitors to remember the danger plastic can pose to marine life after a wreath of respect was found next to a dead porpoise.

A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCGA) said it had received a report of a washed up porpoise on Sandgate beach around 1pm.

The agency was informed by the National Coastguard Institute Folkestone after it was alerted by a member of public.

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But a photograph, snapped by a walker along the beach, showed a plastic poppy wreath having been laid next to the deceased mammal.

It is estimated that every year, over 12.5 million tonnes of plastic end up in oceans, killing marine life and ending back up in the seafood humans eat.

A MSGA spokeswoman said: "We advise for anyone visiting the beach is leave it in the condition you found it.

"Although this person may meant well, its not ideal.

"It does pose a threat to other wildlife in that area."

She added that the clean up of litter on beaches ultimately fall down the authority for that area.

Dead cetaceans such as porpoises on the beaches of the UK are classed as Royal Fish.

As such, after a porpoise is found along the shoreline, the MCGA contact the receiver of wreck.

They will then put a call into the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, who collate, analyse and report data for all cetacean strandings around the coast of the UK and determine the causes of death of around 100 stranded cetaceans each year.

The UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme advises that if you find a stranded marine animal to contact either the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 or British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546.

A Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) spokesman said: "Our cleansing team are aware of the porpoise washed up on Sandgate beach today and a supervisor has been asked to investigate and arrange for removal.

"Whilst it is upsetting to see a dead animal we would remind people not to leave any plastic memorials or wreaths on the beach as this is litter that could end up in the sea if it is not picked up and disposed of by someone else."

In July last year, a dead porpoise was found washed up in a suitcase in St Mary's Bay, Romney Marsh.