A shark has washed up on a beach in Kent.

The fish, thought to be a smooth-hound shark, was discovered by a dog on a beach in Ramsgate.

Ali Hood, director of conservation at the Shark Trust, says they are a relatively common species in our waters.

"While it is challenging to provide a definitive identification, looking at the fin configuration and shape I would suggest it is a smooth-hound," she said.

"Growing to 140cm, they feed almost exclusively on Crustacea.

"It’s spring tides at the moment, so the tidal range is more extreme, and this can result in all sorts of flotsam and jetsam being stranded on the beach - including dead sharks.

"As for how the shark died, well it could have been discarded from commercial or recreational fisheries, or simply be natural causes."

During low tide on Friday morning, Twitter user Jan Dunn posted a picture of the shark, which her dog had found on the rocks.

"Never seen one this big washed up before," she said. "Quite unusual."

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