POTENTIALLY deadly Portuguese men o’ war have been washing up on Sussex beaches.

The unusual looking creatures have a very painful sting which can prove fatal in some circumstances.

Experts say it is “extremely rare” for them to reach Sussex shores and are warning people to keep away.

Janice Winter, 44, spotted one on the beach in Saltdean on Saturday while she was walking her dogs.

She said: “It was quite alien-like.

“I went to take a closer look but my dogs were showing a bit too much interest in it so I went on.

“I’m a bit concerned as there are more children around because of half-term.

Another man o’ war was found on the beach at Portslade on Friday and two were spotted just east of Brighton Marina on Saturday.

Eight were also discovered at Bracklesham Bay near Chichester.

Sussex Wildlife Trust senior ecologist Graeme Lyons said he expected to see even more over the coming weeks.

He said: “I don’t think it has peaked yet.

“I’ve been doing this type of thing all my life and I have never seen these on the Sussex coast before.

“There have been so many storms and gales in the Atlantic and with another hurricane forecast it is likely more will be pushed up the Channel.”

Richard Harrington from the Marine Conservation Society said: “There have been several hundred reports this year but they have mainly been in Devon, Cornwall and Wales.

“It is extremely rare to see them turn up as far east as Sussex.

“My advice to people is not to touch them.

“Once on the beach they decompose quite quickly but the toxins remain active for a couple of days.

“Parents in particular should be aware.

“They are very intriguing looking creatures and children may want to touch them.”

The venom contains a combination of amino acids unique to the man o’war. It is used to paralyse small fish.

The sting is very painful and leaves red welts on the skin.

If someone has an allergic reaction or an existing condition it can cause fever, shock and affect the heart and lung functions, although this is rare.

A spokesman for Chichester District Council said it was continuing to closely monitor the situation in case any more of the creatures appeared.

He said: “The main bathing season is over but we would urge surfers and people who still swim in the sea at this time of the year to be extra careful when in the water.”

The creatures are usually found in warmer waters and in the open ocean.