The body of a 6ft person found floating four miles off Whitstable beach has been recovered by lifeboat crews.

Discovered by a passing ship, the body was taken to the QEQM Hospital in Margate after the discovery was made near the sand flats at 1.15pm.

Police officers were unable to confirm if the body was that of a man or woman, as it is believed to have been in the water for some time.

Inquiries are under way to determine the circumstances surrounding the death, which is being treated as unexplained.