The eerie discovery of a mysterious “skeleton-like” figure on a Kent shore has left beachgoers puzzled.

Paula Regan stumbled across the object while enjoying a walk with husband Dave during a visit to Margate on Monday, March 10.

Speculation surrounding the bizarre item includes theories it could be a ship's figurehead, flotsam, or art installation.

Speaking of the moment they encountered it, Mrs Regan said: “It was last Monday - a beautiful, sunny day - and we thought we’d blow the cobwebs away with a walk along the beach.

“The beach was completely empty, so it really stood out.

“At first, I thought it was a bit of driftwood or maybe a dead seal because I could see these funny tail fin things.”

Upon closer inspection, the figure was far more unsettling.

“When we got up to it, it was the weirdest thing,” she added.

“For the life of me, I can't tell you what it was.

“The head looked skeletal, but the back part - where the fishtail was - was soft and squidgy. It didn’t feel slimy or decomposed, but it was definitely strange.”

Mrs Regan’s photos show it has been designed to resemble a skeleton and mermaid hybrid, partially buried in sand, surrounded by seaweed, with a skeletal head and tail-like structure.

Images show other beachgoers gathering around, appearing to try anfigure out what they were looking at.

Mrs Regan, who lives in London with her husband, added: “People started coming over to look.

“A small crowd gathered - people walking their dogs, passers-by - and even a man setting up the beach huts came over.

“Nobody could work out what it was.

“Some thought it might have fallen off a boat, while others suggested it could be a figurehead from a ship - like one of those carved mermaids.

“I just knew no one would believe us if we didn’t take a picture.”

Thanet District Council says it has made teams aware but declined to comment.

Do you know what the figure could be? Email in at oleonard@thekmgroup.co.uk.