Dead dolphins and seal wash ashore at Chesil Beach, Portland

At least three dolphin carcasses and what is reported to be one or more dead seals were spotted washed ashore Chesil Beach before being dragged back out to sea by rough waves. A sea bird was also spotted on the beach with its wing trapped in rope.

Rubbish washed ashore on Chesil Beach Picture: Dave Taylor

Wyke Regis resident Dave Taylor spotted the distressing sight at around 2pm yesterday whilst walking on Chesil Beach, opposite Quiddles restaurant.

Sadly, this dead dolphin is one of several to have washed up at Chesil Beach, Portland Picture: Dave Taylor

Mr Taylor said: There were several dead dolphins in various states.

"The dead bird made me sad as you can actually see cause of death as its wing is wrapped in rope.

"The sea is awash with boat waste. 'Sammy' the Weymouth seal had fishing line wrapped around him a few weeks back and I found a gull over at the Fleet tangled up in line with lead fishing weights attached. Luckily someone took him home as I had the dogs. It's so sad."

Dead seabirds were a heartbreaking discovery Picture: Dave Taylor

Mr Taylor said people on Chesil Beach said they had seen a dead seal, but that it was hard to tell due to the amount of rubbish washed up on the beach.

Yesterday Dorset Wildlife Trust said it is aware of dead sea mammals including dolphins and seals in the water at Chesil Beach.

Marc Kativu-Smith, manager at the Dorset Wildlife Trust Chesil Beach Centre, is keeping a close eye on the situation.

He said: "We've been alerted to a number of dead mammals believed to be dolphins and a seal floating in the water just off Chesil Beach.

"We're unable to comment on the cause of death until they wash ashore. We will investigate and report any concerns to the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP), which looks into the causes of death of cetaceans around the country.

"The Natural History Museum may also come down and investigate."

He added that litter on beaches is of 'major concern' and that the organisation holds regular beach cleans to tackle the issue.

"Every storm brings in a pile of litter which is a threat to wildlife on beaches around the UK," he said. "However it is a threat to wildlife when it is in the sea as well."

Residents have flooded social media with comments following the discovery of the dolphins and animals, describing the scenes as 'heartbreaking'.

Anyone who finds a marine mammal washed up should report it as soon as possible by calling Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620 or emailing kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

It is helpful if you can include a photograph of the animal but do not touch it as they can carry diseases.