A DEAD dolphin has washed up on two Christchurch beaches in the past few days, but it is yet to be located by environmental authorities.

An initial sighting of a deceased common dolphin was made on Wednesday at Steamer Point, however by the time Christchurch Borough Council partners attended the scene the dolphin was no longer there.

Then yesterday further reports were made of a dolphin on the shore at Highcliffe beach.

Once again, on arrival the deceased dolphin was not at the report location.

Anyone who sees the dolphin on the beach is advised not to touch it and call the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333

Robin Harley, countryside officer for conservation at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils said: “On Wednesday the council was made aware of a situation at Steamer Point where, sadly, what we believe to be a deceased young common dolphin was found on the shore.

"Christchurch Borough Council contacted partners who regularly deal with this sort of incident, but the dolphin had moved before they reached the site to investigate the further.

“Today we received further reports that what we believe to be the same dolphin had again washed up on the shore at Highcliffe beach. When our team arrived to cordon the area off following these reports, the deceased dolphin was no longer at the reported location."

More details can also be found at www.ukstrandings.org/how-to-report-a-stranding