DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after the body of a 52-year-old man was found washed up on a beach in Kent.

The body was discovered at Upnor, near Strood, just before 11am on Sunday by a member of the public.

Police officers were called to the scene along with firefighters from Strood, Kent ambulance staff and the coastguard.

Police say the man lived in London but they have not yet revealed any further details about him.

A post mortem is expected to be carried out though no date has been set.

A police spokesman said: "All unexplained deaths are treated as suspicious until we know the cause of death. This is what the post mortem examination will establish."