A dead seal found with fishing line around its neck is feared to have suffered an "agonising" death.

Tony Ovenden was walking along Sandwich Bay this morning when he stumbled across the lifeless animal.

Warning: Graphic image below

Its apparent injuries, a deep cut around its neck from fishing line and hooks, suggest a slow and painful end for the creature.

The Ramsgate resident is now reminding fishermen to be vigilant.

He said: "The poor seal must have been in terrible agony before it died.

"The fishing line had slowly cut into the its flesh. It was a really bad deep cut.

"There is no evidence to say the tackle had been discarded but I just think sea anglers always have to be vigilant."

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) has confirmed they were called to the animal yesterday when it was still showing signs of life.

A spokesman for BDMLR said: "We did have medics attend yesterday.

"We called a vet to the scene but by the time they arrived the seal had died.

"Sadly, there wasn't a huge amount we could have done."

Just 200m away, Mr Ovenden also discovered an ancillary shell and reported the matter to HM Coastguard who have been pictured the scene.

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