A beachcomber made a grisly discovery when they found the decomposing carcass of a sea creature.

Paul Frost was walking along Sandwich Bay, near Pegwell Bay Country Park, when he came across what is understood to be a seal’s remains.

“I walked out along the sea line on low tide, and then walked back in and followed the buoys coming back into the coastal line,” said Paul.

“I knew straight away it was a seal because of the location near the estuary mouth on Sandwich Bay.

“I often go to the nature reserve opposite and see the seals, but I don’t have a clue how this one died. I just came across it.

“I’m hoping it was nothing to do with the oil spillage, but I think it has been dead awhile.”

He found the decaying corpse of the marine animal on Sunday, March 17.

Kent Wildlife Trust confirmed that the remains were likely those of a seal.

It added: “There is a population of harbour and grey seals at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay, which is home to Kent’s largest colony of seals.

“We would ask people not to touch the remains and to notify the local council.

“We would also encourage them to report it to the ZSL (Zoological Society of London) – they are running the Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme examining marine life washed ashore across the coast.”

A British Divers Marine Life Rescue spokesman explained: “From the location of the remains, I would say this is most likely to be a dead seal, probably an adult grey seal.

“I can't comment on why the animal died.

“If anyone finds a dead animal this far decomposed, they could contact the local council and ask for it to be removed.”

The UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme advises that if you find a stranded marine animal to contact either the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 or British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546.