Suspected human remains have been discovered on a beach triggering a police investigation after a member of the public found a bone fragment.

Emergency services descended on Sandwich Bay yesterday following the horrifying discovery by a beach-goer that morning.

Police carried out a search of the area and a further two items, suspected to be bone fragments, were recovered.

It is understood one of the fragments is believed to be human, but further tests will be carried out to confirm details of the items.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Kent Police carried out a search of an area of Sandwich Bay after a member of public found a fragment of bone earlier on Saturday morning.

"A further two items, suspected to be bone fragments, have been recovered.

"Inquiries are ongoing but the find is not currently being treated as suspicious."

Police were at Sandwich Bay until late last night and the coastguard was also called to the scene.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "At just after 6pm yesterday, HM Coastguard sent Folkestone, Langdon and Margate Coastguard Rescue Teams to assist Kent Police following a report of an incident at Sandwich Bay, Kent."

Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich