People have been urged to stay away from a dead whale which has washed up on a beach in Norfolk.

The minke whale, which is on Old Hunstanton beach, is around 15ft to 20ft long.

It is believed the whale initially appeared on Holkham beach earlier this month and then drifted to the coastline between Holme Gap and Old Hunstanton, where it is predicted to stay as the tides are now low.

Eastern Daily Press: A dead minke whale on Old Hunstanton beachA dead minke whale on Old Hunstanton beach (Image: Chris Bishop)

The whale is now starting to decompose on the beach and people have been advised to stay away.

A spokeswoman for West Norfolk Council, said: “We know that many people are fascinated by seeing a whale close up but for a range of safety reasons we would urge people to stay well clear.

READ MORE: A fin whale in the river in King's Lynn

"We would especially urge people not to touch it and to keep their pets away too.

"In this case, we would also advise people to exercise caution in an area where the tides can cut people off before they have realised.”

Eastern Daily Press: A dead minke whale on Old Hunstanton beachA dead minke whale on Old Hunstanton beach (Image: Chris Bishop)

The whale is one of several which have washed up around the shores of Norfolk over the years.

In December 2019, a dead 30ft minke whale was found washed up at Heacham and a young adult male sperm whale beached on to Hunstanton in 2016.

A fin whale was seen in the river in King's Lynn in 2018.