Portuguese men o' war wash up on Dorset beaches

The creatures were spotted in Cornwall last month and are now washing up in Dorset. Credit: Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Potentially deadly Portuguese men o' war have washed up on Dorset beaches.

Dorset Wildlife Trust have spotted a number of the jellyfish like creatures washed up on Chesil, Kimmeridge and Charmouth beaches.

Until now, there had been no known sightings in the county.

Last month, Perranporth beach in Cornwall had to be shut for a short time because of "an unprecedented number" of sightings.

The man o' war is often confused for a jellyfish and has a powerful sting which can be fatal in some cases.

The Marine Conservation Society is urging beach visitors to report any sightings - but advises people not to touch them and to keep well away.