Killer whales have been reported off the coast at Folkestone.

The ocean’s ultimate predators - capable of feasting on great white sharks - are normally associated with the colder seas around the poles, but they are being found increasingly in UK waters.

Scientists at the Sea Mammals Research Unit at the University of Aberdeen say the whales are attracted by good fish stocks.

It is not the first time killer whales have been seen off Folkestone. In April 2007 the Sea Watch Foundation recorded two being seen by fishermen one mile off the coast, near the former Rotunda amusement park. Also a killer whale was washed up at Dungeness in 1918.

Trevor Weeks, national co-ordinator with the Britsh Divers Marine Life Rescue, said he was not aware of any sightings near Folkestone but said it was possible.

He said: “They don’t usually come down to this part of the coast, although in 1995 there was a killer whale stranded at Pegwell Bay. We’ve had no proof of this, people can see things and jump to conclusions.”

Stephen Marsh, of ORCA, the Organisation for Cetacea, a whale and dolphin conservation group, also said he had not received any reports of sightings off Folkestone and planned to speak with the research unit.

He said: “It is possible, but unlikely.”

Factfile

Killer whales are black and white and have a large dorsal fin.

They can be five to eight metres long and weigh more than six tonnes