HUNDREDS of dead crabs have been found along a Teesside beach.

A dog walker posted on Facebook that she had seen hundreds of crabs - that were dead - along Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool and North Gare.

The woman said that she had witnessed a man taking samples and that she believed there had been chemicals spilt in the sea.

The Environment Agency said the cause of the crab deaths were 'currently unclear' and that they were working with partners to investigate further.

Read more: Man jailed after police led on high speed chase in Darlington

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency is working with its partners at CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Agriculture) and NEIFCA (North Eastern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority), to investigate the cause of a number of reported crab deaths from within the Tees Estuary and neighbouring beaches.

"If you are aware of pollution affecting wildlife, please report it to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054