WARM weather is believed to be behind rare sightings of a jellyfish in Sussex this summer.

Hundreds of jellyfish have been washed up along the South Coast of England this year.

The common barrel jellyfish, more commonly found off the shores of Devon and Cornwall, has been making increased appearances in Sussex.

One beachgoer spotted stumbled across the creature on Sunday night when paddling with his children on Lancing beach.

Paul Sluman, 41, of Kings Road, Lancing, said: “I was paddling with my kids when we came across something which looked like a broken bit of plastic.

“When I looked a bit closer, I could see that it was some kind of creature – it was quite amazing to look at.

“When I got home I did a bit of research and found one that resembled it called a barrel jellyfish.”

According to experts, this year’s influx of jellyfish is due to the warm weather because they are usually found in the waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Ollie Akesson, Sussex Wildlife Trust marine officer, said: “The barrel jellyfish is the biggest species of jellyfish, usually found in the summer.

“We don’t tend to get many in Sussex as they tend to swarm in Dorset.

“A couple were spotted near the Marina last year, but this was the first one we have seen this year.”

The barrel jellyfish is the UK’s largest visitor, with a diameter of up to 90cm and weights of up to 35 kilos.

It has no tentacles, but eight thick frilled arms.

Although Its sting is harmless, although similar to the pain of a nettle sting they are still causing a nuisance along the shores of Britain.

Some beaches in Dorset are threatening to close because of the invasion of the creatures.

But with just a handful seen in Sussex this year, sunseekers need not worry about their favourite beaches being shut off.