Deposits of oil and some dead seabirds have been washed up on the coast in east Kent, Dover District Council has confirmed.
The Council has advised that an urgent clean-up was being organised between Kingsdown and Sandwich Bay, including the Stour estuary.
Dover District Council advised residents to keep dogs on leads in the affected area and to keep children away from the oil and any dead marine animals. It is asking people who may see more substantial deposits of oil or larger dead animals, such as seals, to report it.
Thanet District Council said small deposits of oil had also been found and cleared in the Broadstairs and Ramsgate area.
The cause of the oil has not yet been confirmed.
HM Coastguard said the first report was made at about 1:50 pm on Friday 8th March 2024. It said it was responding with partner agencies and local authorities.
A spokesperson said “The area has been surveyed by HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft as well as coastguard rescue teams from Deal, Langdon Battery and Margate.”
The Environment Agency has been approached for a comment but are yet to make a formal statement.
