A rotting marine animal remains on Deal beach two days after it was reported to the Coastguard.

The dead creature, thought to be a porpoise, washed up near Albion Road in the north end of Deal, on Saturday.

It was reported to the Coastguard the same day but after 48 hours it has still not been moved.

Warning: Graphic images below

Speaking to KentOnline, Jenny Domane, of Albion Road, said she first spotted it on Sunday morning.

When she returned to see if it was still there in the afternoon, it has been covered up.

It is understood waste collection service Veolia attempted to conceal the animal after instruction from their employer that they could not remove it.

They wrapped it is plastic sheeting which has since been ripped off by seagulls.

VIDEO: Rotting porpoise remains on Kent beach

Ms Domane said: “There's been lots of people looking at it. I just think it’s very sad.”

A spokesman for the Coastguard said: “It’s down to the council to pick it up.

“It was reported to us on Saturday. We’ve been down there, taken pictures of it and filed the report but we cannot dispose of it.”

Deal Town Council say they reported it to the district council this morning.

A Dover District Council spokesman said: “We are aware of what appears to be a porpoise that has washed up on the beach in North Deal.

"Contractors have visited and have covered it up.

"We have contacted the Natural History Museum to see if they wish to collect it, and are awaiting further instructions from them.

"We are looking to clear this tomorrow morning if the Natural History Museum has not come back to us.”