A seal pup was found dead on a North East beach yesterday.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) have confirmed thel pup was found on the beach at The Headland in Hartlepool on Friday (April 5).

They said the council have been informed of the seal so the body may be removed ahead of the weekend.

BDMLR have said grey seal pups struggle with illness at this time of year and warned the public to keep their distance from them.

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They said seals carry parasites such as lung worm and stressed people should remain a safe distance from live animals resting on the beach.

A BDMLR spokesperson said: “I can confirm a young grey seal pup was found deceased on the beach at Hartlepool. BDMLR has not examined the seal and the council has been made aware so they may be able to remove the body ahead of the weekend. 

“At this time of year grey seal pups may be struggling due to illness, in particular lung worm or other parasites, so it is important that the public keep a safe distance from live animals resting on the beach.”