A minke whale has been spotted swimming off the Kent coast for the second time in a week.

It was captured on video earlier today in Dover harbour.

A spokesperson from the Port of Dover said operations at the docks were minimally affected by the whale this morning.

“A minke whale was sighted within Dover harbour this morning," they said.

"The sighting was immediately reported to the British cetacean stranding investigation program and a marine mammal medic notified in case the whale required medical assistance.

"A team from the Port of Dover on the harbour patrol launch vessel have now carefully encouraged the whale out of the harbour.

"The welfare of the whale and safety of vessel navigation were our utmost priorities and all necessary procedures have been followed.

"Port operations were minimally affected and have now returned to normal, though we remain vigilant to the movements of the whale.”

A whale was seen in the same waters last week.

There was delight as photos captured the creature splashing in the sea.

Minke whales are between seven to nine metres in length and live for up to 50 years.

According to the Wildlife Trusts, they "can be spotted in near-shore waters around the UK, though rare in the Southern North Sea and English Channel".