A dead long finned pilot whale was washed up on the beach at Jurby.

Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch said it was the first time the species has been stranded in the Isle of Man.

Volunteers from the group joined staff from DEFA (Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture) attended the ’very unusual’ stranding.

The body was fresh and washed in on the high tide.

An autopsy was conducted and various samples were collected which will be sent off for analysis in the UK, but no initial obvious causes of death were visible.

A spokesman for Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch said: ’ We would like to hear from other cetacean groups around the UK and Eire as to whether they have had any sightings or strandings of pilot whales recently.

’We urge the public not to go and look for it as it is a very long walk away from any car park and dangerous at high tide. Cetaceans (species of aquatic mammals) can carry bacteria and viruses and PPE was worn by trained staff. It is hoped the body will wash back out.’