A DEAD dolphin has been discovered washed up at Kimmeridge Bay.

The carcass of the adult female was reported to Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) on Sunday, and was the second dead dolphin to be found along the county's coastline in as many days.

DWT marine awareness officer Julie Hatcher told the Echo: "We've informed the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP), who look into the causes of death of cetaceans around the country.

"Sadly, they actually picked up another dead dolphin from Charmouth on Sunday.

"Unfortunately, we didn't find out about the one at Kimmeridge until they were already on their way back to London."

The CSIP co-ordinates the investigation of all whales, dolphins and porpoises - collectively known as cetaceans - marine turtles and basking sharks that strand around the UK.

Common Dolphins, a protected species, live in waters around the south west.

Julie said: "There were no obvious signs of what the cause of death was. It was in good condition.

"It's really sad to see them like this, but it may well have died of natural causes."