Investigations have started after a dead dolphin washed ashore at a Kent beach.

The animal was found in Whitstable yesterday morning and has since been collected by experts from the National History Museum for a necropsy.

The creature, which is grey with a white underbelly and sides, has been identified as a common dolphin.

It is unclear how it got into this situation – and its age is also unknown.

The dolphin was removed from the beach today by the museum's Stranding Team and workers from Canenco – Canterbury City Council’s environment company.

A spokesperson for the council said: “This was a common dolphin.

“It was collected today by the Stranding Team from the Natural History Museum, with the support of a cleansing team from Canenco, and sent off for necropsy and investigation."