A minke whale carcass has washed up on an island beach, with people being warned to keep their distance and keep dogs away.

A team from Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) is assessing the remains of the dead animal at Lynague and will take measurements and look for any obvious signs that could indicate the cause of death.

Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch has confirmed the animal is a minke whale.

Jen Adams, outreach and education manager, said whale carcasses can be difficult to remove and may be left for the tide to carry back out to sea.

She said: ‘Whale carcasses can be very difficult to remove, so unless they are in a very public place, they will generally be left in the hope that the tide will carry them back out to sea.

‘The carcass can also become an important part of the ecosystem, providing a valuable source of food for a variety of marine species.’

However, Ms Adams warned people not to approach the animal.

She added: ‘The skin on a deceased whale can be teeming with bacteria, so MWDW urges the public to keep well clear of it and keep dogs away.’