Beachgoers have been left stunned after stumbling across a rare fish washed up on the shore.

The discovery of an ocean sunfish, also known as a mola mola, was made at The Warren beach in Folkestone yesterday (Saturday).

Pictures taken by Belinda Stuart-Moonlight were met with hundreds of comments on social media, with many taking an interest in the fascinating find.

It is not clear why it has washed up, though it was likely already dead when it came in with the tide.

One of the largest bony fish in the world, the mola mola can weigh up to a ton and are considered a delicacy in parts of Asia, though in the European Union it is prohibited to fish for them.

They are mainly spotted in tropical or temperate waters.

Kent Wildlife Trust’s area warden Will Glasson said: “It’s unusual that it has turned up here as they don't particularly like chillier temperatures.

“Looking at the size, it’s probably a juvenile as they can get pretty sizeable.”