Pictures appear to show a whale in the English Channel this afternoon.

It was spotted off the coast of St Margaret's Bay, near Dover, and was thought to be heading towards Ramsgate.

Paul Jolliffe captured the creature on camera and his pictures have been posted on Dover Strait Shipping's Facebook page.

A caption reads: "Thar she blows.....!

"Thankfully, in these enlightened times, a cry that is not associated with the dreadful trade, in most countries at any rate.

"BUT! What a sight, as Paul catches what surely must be a whale, off South Foreland an hour or so ago.

"Anyone any ideas as to precisely the species. My first thought was a minke whale, but maybe you can suggest something else. Nice one Paul!"

The pictures have attracted several comments, with one person posting: "Wow! Always wanted to see a a whale. Great capture!"

Another said: "I have seen whales in the Outer Hebrides but never in countless Channel crossings!"

There is a currently a debate as to whether it could have been a minke whale or a humpback whale.