Pollution warnings have been issued at a beach following a report of thousands of dead ragworms and lugworms on shore.

Dog owners are being told to keep their animals away from Minnis Bay, Birchington-on-Sea, and the public are urged not to enter the water.

It comes after a member of the public reported dead invertebrates being washed ashore to the Environment Agency (EA), which says it will take samples for testing.

In a statement, the EA said: “We were notified by a member of the public about thousands of dead and dying ragworms and lugworms on the beach.

“Our environment officers are investigating and gathering samples for analysis to determine the cause of death.”

A statement from Thanet council advises people to avoid the beach until it can advise more.

The council said: “We have been made aware of a possible pollution incident at Minnis Bay, Birchington-on-Sea, following reports of dead marine life on the coastline.”

The statement from the council said signs had been put in place between Minnis Bay and West Bay in Westgate-on-Sea.

The council added it was actively monitoring the coastline "to assess the extent of the incident".

More information was expected on Tuesday after the latest inspections, the council added.