Hundreds of dead starfish have been found washed up on beaches.
The animals were discovered by dog walkers on Margate Main Sands and at St Mildred’s Bay Westgate in Kent, on Boxing Day.
The Environment Agency (EA) said it was due to sea conditions and a strong wind on Christmas Eve which pulled the starfish off the chalk reef and on to the beach.
An EA spokesperson said: “Creatures like starfish, mussels, crabs and razor clams occupy rocky habitats. Unfortunately, they can be easily dislodged during unsettled weather, onshore winds or spring tides, causing them to be washed ashore.