A small shark has washed up on a beach in Norfolk following similar instances over the last few months.  

Naomi Smith stumbled upon a beached smooth-hound shark while walking along the beach at Old Hunstanton on Monday (August 21).

Similar small sharks have been spotted along the coast at Happisburgh, Sea Palling and Overstrand in recent months.

Eastern Daily Press: The shark was found washed up on Old Hunstanton beachThe shark was found washed up on Old Hunstanton beach (Image: Naomi Smith)

Jon Butler, head of operations at Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation, said: "While smooth-hounds and smaller species of sharks are common across the region, they only occasionally wash up on shore.

"It can sometimes be that anglers have caught them while out at sea.

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"Many recreational anglers like to take photos with them."

In April, dogfish and smooth-hounds were found washed up at Happisburgh and Sea Palling.

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency stated they were most likely fishing-related mortalities.

Eastern Daily Press: The shark was found washed up on Old Hunstanton beachThe shark was found washed up on Old Hunstanton beach (Image: Naomi Smith)

Mr Butler also urged dog owners to keep their animals away from the smooth-hound and anything else that washes up from the sea.

"We really recommend people keep their pets well away and to not approach it," he said. "So stay well enough away."