AN expert has claimed that a dead porpoise found on Walney beach was likely killed by a mako shark.

Ecologist Abel Barker, who also made contact with various experts in the field, said that the general consensus seemed to show that a bite mark found on a dead porpoise discovered on Earnse Bay, Walney was likely caused by a mako shark.

The porpoise was originally discovered by fisherman Mark Lamb who took an image of it and sent it to Mr Barker.

Mr Barker then contacted various sources to enquire as to what caused the large bite.

“By the size of the bite mark, it would appear it was caused by a creature, the same size as the porpoise - maybe a bit bigger,” said Mr Barker.

“The most likely species is a porbaegle or mako Shark - both close relatives of the great white.

"They can reach 8ft and weigh up to 300lb. However, the porbeagle usually feeds on fish and squid, but they are found in our waters.

“A mako shark averages at around 10 feet long and weighing around 3/400lb - although they can reach weight of over 1000lb.

“They aren’t usually found this far North, but this could be a clear indicator of rising sea temperatures. They have been recorded in Wales thus far.”

A spokesman from the Natural History Museum was unable to confirm the predictions as they were not able to examine the carcass as it was dragged out to sea.

They did however say that it was a possibility and also highlighted other potential causes, which included: scavengers such as foxes or birds eating it, predation of grey seals or human actions.