Essex Police are warning the public to keep away from a beach after a 40ft dead whale ended up on Clacton-on-Sea.
The huge whale was found washed up on the beach early this morning by officers from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The environmental group, Big Blue Ocean Cleanup, who have been at the beach said it was a fin whale, which is the second largest mammal in the world after the blue whale. It can grow up to 25 metres in length.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue charity believe the 12 metre whale was young and much smaller than grown mammal whales.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Removal of the carcass is the responsibility of the beach owner. In the meantime we strongly advise people to avoid going near it as there is a risk of contracting an infection from contact with its bodily fluids or the body itself.”
In a statement Essex police said: “Sadly a 40ft whale has been washed up on Clacton this morning. We are currently in attendance with other organisations and discussions are under way on how to remove her.”
“The area is cordoned off and the public are advised to stay away.”
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