A dead porpoise, smooth-hound sharks, crabs and dogfish have washed up on a Kent shore.

Walkers have been warned not to move dead mammals on Westbrook Beach, near Margate, as they may carry disease.

The latest wash-up was photographed today following a number of similar strandings across east Kent this year.

Speculation has swirled on social media over the cause of the latest deaths however, a nature expert has allayed concern.

Kayla Fuller, who takes daily walks along the beach and snapped the remains, said she has “never seen anything like it”.

“It has been happening over the past couple of weeks and it is so strange,” the 32-year-old said.

“There have been hundreds of dogfish.

“People say it is common at this time of year and I’ve seen dogfish before but I haven’t seen that many.

“I have been down that beach every single day and I have never seen anything like it.”

In April, mackerel, squid, and a thornback ray were spotted beached at Hampton in Herne Bay.

Last year saw dozens of dead dogfish, a huge numbers of jellyfish and hundreds of dead fish washed up on Kent’s shores.

Ms Fuller, a business development executive, says she has seen hundreds of dead crabs, as well as seals, porpoise and birds, including a gannet, stranded at Westrbrook.

“There are so many dead things on the beach at the moment,” the Margate resident added.

“I think it’s crazy and it’s the end of the world coming.

“It is something to do with global warming but I really don’t know.”

But Thanet wildlife expert Nik Mitchell allayed concerns but urged people to “keep an eye out for trends”.

He said it is sad when animals washed up on the coast, adding: “We have seen many sea birds washing up in recent years due to the devastating effects of bird flu.”

“Gannets are an incredible bird that spend most of their time out at sea but come inland to breed this time of year.

“The smooth-hound are a shallow water shark species and do wash up from time to time.

“The large marine mammal looks like a porpoise.

“I wouldn't consider these strandings a cause for concern but it is definitely worth keeping an eye out for any trends.”

Beach-goers have been warned not to touch or move the remains in case they carry infection.

Thanet District Council also urged people to report sightings via its website.

“We understand the concern from members of the public when large sea mammals and other sea life is washed ashore on the district’s beaches.

“The public is advised not to attempt to move any stranded dead mammals and to keep dogs and children away from them, as they may have infectious or transferable diseases.”