A humpback whale measuring at least 5 metres (16ft) has been spotted in the River Thames east of London. It was first seen over the weekend with sightings either side of the Dartford Crossing. Ships have been advised to proceed with caution through the area.

Last year, a beluga whale, nicknamed Benny the Beluga, spent more than three months in the Thames. The spokesman said of the latest sightings: “It is not Benny, it is not a beluga”.

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