PEOPLE are being warned to watch out for sea brids covered in oil washing up on the beach between Romney Marsh and Folkestone.

Seabirds have been turning up in large numbers in Sussex needing urgent treatment. It had been thought that this was due to the sinking of the Ice Prince, but the RSPCA says it cannot be sure that that is the case.

The Ice Prince went down in heavy seas when its cargo of timber shifted. Much of it has since washed up on beaches from Sussex to Kent.

Klare Kennet, of the RSPCA, said: "When people do spot an oiled bird if they can contain it in something like a shoebox they should take it straight to the vet.

"If they can’t pick it up they can call us on 0300 1234999 and we will go out and help.

"We take the birds to Mallydams, our centre near Hastings, where they are given a thorough wash.

"One thing we would like to say is that people should not try and wash the birds themselves as it could seriously hurt them."