Beaches in Thanet, Kent, closed by oil spill

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.

Coastguard aircraft have been flying over the affected area as part of the search.