A pile of severed fish heads has been found on a beach.

The huge collection of mackerel heads was left discarded on the beach at Dungeness, on Romney Marsh.

Reserve manager Owen Leyshon made the grim discovery while on a routine cleanup operation following the long weekend.

The pile of heads – many of which were also accompanied by severed tails – left blood smeared across the stones.

It is believed that the decapitated tiddlers were discarded by anglers who may have cooked the 'middle' parts on a BBQ on the beach.

Two disposable BBQ's were also found on the stones alongside a chair, empty beer cans and bottles, and an abandoned tent.

Mr Leyshon said that the discovery was not unusual, but took a lot of effort to clear up.

"We have to invest a lot of time and resources to clear rubbish, and we work closely with the Dungeness Angling Association to reduce the impact of litter and rubbish," he added.

"Please put your rubbish by the bins or take it home.

"It's just about using one's common sense and showing respect when visiting a nature reserve or the Kent coast"