Warning to beachgoers as Portuguese man o'war washes up on Milford beach

BEACHGOERS are being warned after a Portuguese man o’ war was found washed ashore at Milford.

The species – closely related to the jellyfish – have a painful sting which can cause welts on skin.

Urging residents and visitors to be alert, New Forest District Council confirmed the sighting at Milford beach and said: “Pease keep away if you spot any – [and] keep dogs clear too.”

The council said there is an increased chance of seeing the creatures, which are mostly found in tropical and subtropical seas, due to recent weather.

It added: “If you spot anything unusual on our beaches, please let us know.

“Use a What-3-Words location with a photo and anything else relevant.

“Do not collect or put yourself at risk on the coast.”

Sightings can be reported at www.mcsuk.org/what-you-can-do/citizen-science/sightings/jellyfish-sightings