A WARNING has been issued after a jellyfish-like creature was found on a beach.
New Forest District Council has sounded an alert after a Portuguese Man o' War was washed ashore at Milford-on-Sea.
Posting on social media the council said: "Please keep away if you spot any - they can sting, so keep dogs clear too.
"There’s an increased chance of seeing these because of recent weather.
"If you spot anything unusual on our beaches, please let us know. Use a What-3-words location with a photo and anything else relevant. Do not collect or put yourself at risk on the coast."
The Portuguese Man o' War is a species of siphonophore, a group of creatures that are closely related to jellyfish.
Its sting is rarely fatal to humans but can cause welts on the skin.
Found mostly in tropical and subtropical seas, Men o' War are propelled by winds and ocean currents - and sometimes float in groups of 1,000 or more.
Experts say the creatures can sting weeks after being washed ashore.
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