A Beluga whale has resurfaced this morning after its unusual appearance in the River Thames yesterday.

The RSPCA have said there are "no major concerns" for the creature that has attracted national media attention over the past two days.

Spokesman, Ginny Reid, said: "“The whale is still in the Thames estuary, in roughly the same area off Gravesend as yesterday.

"At the moment, there are no major concerns for the welfare of the animal, as it seems to be swimming strongly and feeding normally, able to move fast in the water and dive.

“We want to ensure it is given the best chance of survival - and that means returning to the sea under its own steam.

"Following our request to the London Coastguard, we are pleased that local boats have moved away.

"Whales have acute hearing and become stressed very easily.

“The RSPCA continues to monitor the situation and remains ready to provide appropriate assistance if requested.”

Ecologist and ornithologist, Dave Andrews, who spotted the animal yesterday tweeted: "The Thames Beluga is back feeding in its favoured spot around the barges on the Kent side.

"Please all boats including London Port Authority keep clear and let it alone."

A tweet from RSPB - Urban Living said a police boat was on hand near Shorne Marshes.

It claimed an attempt was likely later this afternoon to shepherd the whale further out to sea.

Conservationists spent the night keeping an eye on the mammal to see if it would leave the river.

The creature is thousands of miles from its normal home in the Arctic.

It is thought to be the furthest south the species has ever been recorded, and experts are waiting to see if the "very lost" beluga has headed out to sea.

The rare marine mammal, nicknamed Benny, was seen near Gravesend yesterday and appeared to be swimming strongly and feeding in the estuary.

However rescue teams were on standby in case the animal got into danger.

The spectacle has attracted many members of the media - with some enterprising businesses tweeting an invitation to visit their eateries.

Twitchers have also assembled on the banks of the Thames.

One tweeted that they had "never been on a twitch like it."

We have approached the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), who are believed to be at the scene, for further information.