A seal has been spotted in the River Medway in Maidstone.

The common seal was photographed at Allington Lock, but was later spotted swimming in the river near the Law Courts in Maidstone.

Video of the seal in the river near Asda Living in Maidstone by Andrew Manahan

It is believed she has since travelled back down river. Male and female seals look very similar. This one is believed to be female, which are slightly smaller.

Derek Whitehead of the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, which is based alongside Allington Lock, said: "It is not that unusual to see seals in the River Medway.

"Back in July, I spotted three.

"It's a good sign because they follow the fish and it means we have plenty of fish in the river.

"There have been shoals of bass on the downstream side of Allington Lock recently."

Mr Whitehead said: "When we have high tides, the sluice gates lift up and it is possible for the seals to travel underneath, they don't have to go through the lock."

In 2008, another seal, nicknamed Simon, spent several months living in the freshwater above Allington Lock.

Allington Lock was built in 1833. Before that seals would have been a far more common sight in Maidstone.

The latest seal was caught on camera by Nick Dundon of the Environment Agency.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone