Beachgoers have been warned to take care after an increased number of sightings of a venomous fish along the Norfolk coast.

As the sea warms up during the summer, weever fish - also known as sting fish - start to appear more frequently across the county's shorelines. 

So far, there have been reported sightings in Cromer, West Runton and Sheringham.

Oliver, 8, and his Grandma Odette came across one while exploring the rock pools in West Runton this weekend Oliver, eight, and his Grandma Odette came across one while exploring the rock pools in West Runton this weekend (Image: Stuart David) Classified as an ambush predator, the fish is found in shallow waters, spending most of the day buried in soft sand, displaying only its eyes and dorsal spikes.

If stood on by an unsuspecting bather, the weever’s dark-tipped spines can inject a painful venom.

While their sting can be very painful, they are not dangerous.

Gorleston Coastwatch has advised people to wear beach shoes when paddling in sandy waters. 

Weever fish bury themselves in soft sand Weever fish bury themselves in soft sand (Image: Stuart David) They added: "If you do risk barefoot and happen to stand on a weever fish, unfortunately, there is no quick treatment but there is a very simple way to ease the pain.

"Hot water, as hot as you can take it and if they leave any spines remove them with tweezers as they keep pumping toxins if you leave them.

"Please wear beach shoes as the pain is intense."