A bizarre substance that has coloured part of the coastline orange has been confirmed as an algae bloom.

The liquid, spotted off beaches in north/east Kent and Essex, is Phaeocystis, a naturally occurring algae not considered to be harmful, the Environment Agency (EA) says.

Samples of the substance were taken from Margate, Whitstable and the Medway Estuary and examined as part of an investigation by the EA after the body received a number of reports from members of the public.

Dog walkers have been urged to keep their pets away from the water by councils as a precaution.

Photographer Rebecca Douglas snapped shots of the coloured water in Ramsgate on Wednesday and Thursday, and reported the sighting to authorities.

An EA spokesman said: "We’ve received reports from the public of an orange-coloured substance in the sea off various beaches in Essex and north Kent.

"We have taken samples from Margate, Whitstable and the Medway Estuary which has confirmed the substance as Phaeocystis, a naturally occurring algae which we do not consider to be harmful.

"As a precaution, local councils are recommending keeping dogs on leads and away from water until further notice."

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet