A DEAD seal was found washed up in Poole on Saturday morning.

Colin Foster made the discovery at Baiter car park during his morning run.

He said: “It was high water at around 9am.”

“To me it looks without doubt as though it’s been caused by propeller damage.”

“It’s a shame as they are such beautiful creatures and unfortunately there aren’t many seals.

“My wife said it brought tears to her eyes.”

Lee Mason, assistant harbour master with Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC), said the seal was reported to them on Saturday morning and they contacted the RSPCA and Borough of Poole.

The seal was then checked over and the carcass taken away.

He said he was not aware of any injuries.

During winter months, speed limits on boats are very slightly lifted in the harbour.

Lee said: "Propellers are nasty things and would cause damage no matter what the speed."

A spokesperson for the RSPCA: "We were called about this and an officer attended the beach this morning. Unfortunately, the seal was dead and was fairly decomposed so it seems the poor thing had been dead for some time.

"Our officer reported it to the council and requested they remove the body. "