A member of the public made a sad discovery on golden sands at Whitehaven yesterday.

The dead body of a porpoise had been washed up onto the sand.

It was found at about 2pm and was reported to the coastguard.

A spokesman for the coastguard said: "We are aware of what looks to be a deceased porpoise washed up on Golden Sands in Whitehaven.

"The council are being made aware to have it removed.

"Please don't be tempted to touch it or allow your dogs near it as it will be teaming with bacteria."

A spokesman for Copeland council said: "We will remove the porpoise from the beach by tomorrow at the latest."

The coastguard added: "This is not uncommon to have a porpoise wash up on land however it is sad all the same."