Eighteen beaches in Kent have been closed after "significant deposits of oil" were found along the coastline.

Popular tourist beaches at Margate and Ramsgate are among the areas affected by the spill.

Thanet District Council (TDC) reported the incident on Wednesday evening and the Environmental Agency (EA) is investigating. The source of the oil has not been identified.

The local authority said the decision to close access to beaches "had not been taken lightly".

A spokesperson for TDC urged people, particularly dog walkers, to avoid the affected areas, and to report any deposits of oil on beaches to them.

Officers are currently inspecting the area, they said.

A spokesperson for the EA said: "We're working with the local council and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to investigate the source of this pollution, assess any environmental impacts and take any action that is required to reduce its impact.

"As a precaution, we've advised against swimming at affected locations while investigations continue."

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