Bones have been found on a beach prompting a huge police search.

Between eight and 10 response vehicles arrived at Swalecliffe Beach, near Herne Bay, from 8.15pm but police have now confirmed they were alerted to the discovery just after 7pm.

Spokesman Steve Knight said: "Officers attended to collect the bones for further analysis and have all now left the scene.

"No crimes have been reported and it is not yet known how old the bones are, or if they are human."

A witness said officers first arrived at an area surrounding Marine Crescent near a row of beach huts, but reports have since suggested they have expanded their search to a much larger section of the seafront down towards Tankerton.

Mark Bolen said: "I went for a walk down Long Rock in Tankerton. Police cars and police were everywhere searching the beach with large bags going through all the stones."

Jules Serkin added: "There are loads of police and coastguards with flashing lights. It's like Piccadilly Circus.

"Something major must be happening.

"A red estate car, possibly from the fire service, has just arrived on the scene with another three police cars.

"The police cars are driving back and forth.

"They seem to be searching with torches. I hope it's not a murder investigation.

"Another four cars and at least 10 police all in high vis jackets are waiting in the rain and mist.

"Another plain car has just arrived."

She added: "I saw two chaps frantically picking stones from the beach yesterday. It looked very odd. Not sure if it is related. They were shoving stones into green bin liners. I thought maybe they were stealing them for a DIY patio."

Kent Police has been approached for comment.

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay