THREE of the rarest turtles in the world have been discovered dead on Dorset beaches in recent days, wildlife experts have announced.

The critically endangered Kemp's Ridley Turtles were found at Kimmeridge, in Purbeck, and at West Bay and West Bexington further along the coast.

Now Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is asking members of the public to report sightings of any turtles washed up on Dorset beaches as a matter of urgency.

On December 23 a live Loggerhead Turtle was found near Worth Matravers, which had to be put to sleep due to its injuries.

Video courtesy Steve Trewhella/ukcoastalwildlife.co.uk/

According to wildlife photographer Steve Trewhella, who helped recover the turtle, said both of its front flippers had been severed off.

"Sadly turtles can't survive without their front flippers so it had to be put to sleep," he said.

DWT marine awareness officer Julie Hatcher said the winter storms this year have been tough on wildlife living in the sea.

"Hard-shelled turtles live in tropical seas, but if they get picked up in a strong ocean current such as the Gulf Stream, and end up in cold northern waters they can’t survive for long because their metabolism slows down and they stop feeding," she said.

"The public can help by reporting any sightings, alive or dead, so we can arrange a rescue, or recovery and post mortem to help us learn more about the threats to these animals in our oceans."

Steve has also echoed how important it is to report sightings as quickly as possible.

"One thing we struggle with is finding these animals on long stretches of beach and also if the tide comes in and sweeps them away.

"As well as reporting it over the phone one of the best ways to let people know about any sightings is through twitter."

He says turtles are battling for survival every day because of mankind's bad habits.

"We are using the seas and ocean as a rubbish skip. It's unbelievable how many turtle autopsies have shown that their insides were full of plastic.

"Balloons and plastic bags are the biggest problems because in the sea they look like jelly fish.

"We really do need to stop balloon releases because people don't really think about where those balloons will eventually end up."

To report sightings of turtles dead or alive, please phone Rod Penrose on 01239 683033 (24 hours) as soon as possible.

For other sightings phone 01929 481044 or email kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

You can also share your photos with DWT on social media via facebook/dorsetwildlife or Twitter @DorsetWildlife.