FORGET the Loch Ness Monster and Moby Dick, a creature of the deep has reared its tentacles at a North-East marina.

An octopus, which is increasing in size, has been spotted around Hartlepool's Marina.

When it was last seen, the creature was reported to be stretched out at about 4ft long.

Several people have heard the octopus swimming through the water while it feeds off fishermen's bait.

Sean Walton, 28, saw the octopus clinging to a wall. The 28-year-old, who lives in Billingham, said the red creature grabbed a crab before disappearing under a boat.

He said: "It was about a metre stretched out. But in the past year it has had a chance to grow even bigger. It is top of the food chain."

Mike Fellows, 58, who has a yacht docked at the marina, said: "When people have been sat on their boats at night they have seen a ripple - it's quite eerie.

"I tell them to keep their arms and legs inside.

"All the food's there, it's an ideal habitat. Fishermen come in and they have got fish, they chuck the left-overs in the marina along with the small fish - it means the food is on tap."

Adam Henderson, 18, son of Hartlepool Marina's managing director Allan, said: "Many of the people that live on boats at the marina have seen it. They have literally seen it scurry quickly across the top of the water at night.There are no natural predators here because it is sealed off from the sea.

"The water is also a lot warmer in here as there is a smaller body of water for the sun to heat up."

Last summer, shark sightings sent fear through Hartlepool beach-goers. And now the octopus is causing a similar stir around the town.

Have you seen Hartlepool Marina's newest resident? Call our news desk on (01325) 505065.