A cargo vessel run aground off the coast of Margate - almost demolishing a new statue.

The UK Coastguard was alerted just after 3am today that the Islay Trader had dragged anchor off Margate Harbour about 50 metres from shore.

The ship stopped just metres away from Anthony Gormley's lifesize statue which was installed in August.

A tugboat helped the vessel back out to sea at about 2.30pm.

Six crew were onboard the 75-metre ship which is carrying a cargo of broken glass.