CONCERNS have been raised by locals about a dead seal that has been left on Walney Island Beach for almost three weeks.

The seal is currently in an advanced state of decomposition with the skull now visible and three holes now visible in its body.

The last report cited the animal as being located not far from West Shore Car Park.

Local photographer Chris Oliver who lives nearby and has had the misfortune of coming across the seal for the past three weeks.

He said: "It's quite distressing to see it there and I think it's started to be eaten by other animals.

"I'm not sure how it died but it has been on the beach now for almost three weeks and it's starting to stink. I have reported it to the council but it's still there."

Marine Mammal Medic for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), Mark Rice, attended the scene as soon as he received the report and also contacted the council about it.

He said: "I came out a few days ago and managed to locate it however it's hard to say how long it's been there or how it died. I measured it and it's around 6ft 2", however it's quite swollen due to internal gasses.

"I have contacted the council about it myself but I believe they have had trouble finding it. It is a concern as it's a deceased wild animal that can carry diseases that are harmful to people and dogs and it is starting to get a bit smelly."

A Westmorland and Furness Council spokesperson said: "When original reports were made to the council, attempts were made to locate the seal but high tides had moved its location.

"We have recently received information from the public which has enabled us to locate the seal and make further arrangements for its removal. Access to this area is governed by tide times and daylight."

Deceased seals can be reported to Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) UK strandings on freephone 0800 652 0333. The body has funding from DEFRA to investigate seal mortalities in England and Wales and can even perform necropsies.

Alternatively, they can be reported to Westmorland and Furness Council or the relevant, local nature reserve.