A beach has been closed after the discovery of a mysterious substance.

An "unidentified foam-like substance" has been found along part of the southern coastline, causing Chichester District Council to close East Wittering beach until further notice.

Beaches controlled by West Wittering Estate and Cakeham Manor have also been closed.

A council spokesperson said: "We are closing the beach as a precaution. The unidentified foam-like substance was discovered earlier today. The Environment Agency has taken samples to test. We should know the outcome of these tests within the next 48 hours.

"Following this time, we will decide on what action to take."

Paul Reynolds, Senior Environment Officer at the Environment Agency, said: "Our officers are on site sampling the material to find out what it is. As yet, there has been no apparent evidence of impact on wildlife. Once we know what the substance is we will be able to advise on action to take and appropriate disposal options for the material."