A WHALE carcass has washed up at Allonby.

Following the discovery by members of the public, the incident has been forwarded to Belfast Coastguard Operation Centre which is currently orchestrating the removal of the animal. 

Cumberland Council is aware of the situation. 

"We have identified a stranded cetacean, specifically a whale, at Allonby Beach.

"The appropriate authorities have been alerted, and we are currently awaiting for a scheduled removal.

"It is important to retrieve the cetacean and investigate the circumstances surrounding its unfortunate demise.

“We are advising the public to refrain from any attempts to touch or relocate the marine mammal and to keep dogs on a lead when walking on the beach and maintain a safe distance from the cetacean," a spokesperson said. 

It is believed the animal was first found on Friday (October 20). 

The public is urged to avoid close proximity to the creature, especially those walking dogs.

A spokesperson from Maryport Coastguard said: "Can we ask in the meantime that the public not to get too close to the whale, and keep dogs on leads around it. During decomposition whales gut bacteria multiply very quickly, producing methane gas which can in turn, cause them to explode."