Clacton has had an influx of unwelcome visitors - dozens of jellyfish.

Soaring temperatures and sea defence works off the Clacton coastline have attracted a large concentration of jellyfish off one of the resort's beaches.

And coastguards yesterday warned anyone being stung who is likely to have an allergic reaction should seek medical advice and treatment.

A higher than usual concentration of jellyfish had been spotted by residents and holidaymakers off the Martello Bay area of the town.

And two people have contacted coastguard officers based nearby after being stung.

Steve Moffat, assistant district officer, said while the coast had not been hit by a plague, there were a number of jellyfish on the beach.

"We always have jellyfish on the beach at this time of the year especially when the weather is this warm.

"However, because it is so warm and because of the sea defence work carried out, which has created deeper water, it is possible there is a higher concentration up against the beach in that spot than normal."

Mr Moffat said the advice to anyone stung would be the same as to anyone stung by a bee or nettle.

"Some would hardly notice it but others may have a reaction to the sting and they should seek medical attention," he added.

"Our beach patrol and first aid hut does have a preparation to treat jellyfish stings or if anyone is seriously concerned Clacton Hospital is a short distance away."

He said anyone who suffered an allergic reaction to any type of sting should always be aware when they are swimming.

A large number of jellyfish were spotted just off the Martello beach by concerned mother Suzanne Moss. Her children Michael, ten, and Lucy, seven, pupils at Coppins Green Primary School, saw them with their grandmother.

They took Mrs Moss back in the evening to show how many there were.

She said: "They were certainly a large number - different types, sizes and colours."

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