A LARGE Royal Navy ship was seen near Bournemouth Pier this afternoon. 

A grey vessel was anchored in the waters near the pier.

The Royal Navy confirmed that the ship was HMS Mersey and it was on 'routine patrol tasking'.

The ship, which was flying a Royal Navy flag, was first reported at around 2.30pm today and remains in the area, as of 5pm on Sunday, September 10.

Bournemouth Echo: HMS Mersey anchored off Bournemouth Pier.

A spokesperson for the Royal Navy said: "I can confirm the vessel is HMS Mersey and she has anchored on routine patrol tasking."