COASTGUARDS have issued an urgent warning to avoid a popular tourist beach - after a heartbreaking discovery.

       The body of a 30ft minke whale was found washed up on the shore of Romney Marsh in Kent yesterday evening.

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       Passers-by made a heartbreaking discovery at Romney Marsh Credit: Alamy 3

       They found a beached minke whale Credit: UKNIP

       Locals have now been told not to approach it - as they could get caught in dangerous quicksand.

       Local Paul Crawford came across the beached whale at 5.30pm yesterday.

       He told KentOnline: "I felt humbled to see it. But I also felt a bit of sadness.

       "They’re such beautiful and amazing animals."

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       Common minke whales can weigh as much as 5,600kg - more than a family car.

       HM Coastguard said: "The Romney Marsh Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked to an object floating on the water edge at St Mary's Bay.

       "Once the object had been located it was confirmed to be a deceased whale.

       "Further investigations were carried out to record statistics of the animal for future analysis.

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       "The whale was also determined to be a Minke Whale.

       "Possible further investigations will take place to determine how best to remove the animal from the beach.

       "In the meantime, it is strongly advised NOT to venture out to the animal due to the deep mud (otherwise known as quicksand) between the animal and the shoreline."

       In February the Environment Agency issued a year-long warning after it discovered unsafe levels of faecal bacteria in the water at St Mary's Bay.

       The warning is set to stay in place all summer at the bathing spot because of the germ-filled water.

       It comes after dozens of starry smooth-hound sharks washed up on another UK beach - and no one knows why,

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       The dead whale was 30ft long Credit: UKNIP