HMS Mersey - one of the Royal Navy's smallest ships - has been spotted in Brighton.

The 79-metre long ship was seen arriving yesterday afternoon as the city stays on coronavirus lockdown.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said the ship was on "fishing protection duty," and making a "routine anchoring off," whereby the ship stays put and is used as an overnight base.

She said: "It's not unusual for her to be on that specific coast. She has been on fishing protection duty, protecting UK waters."

The Argus:

Paul Davies took this at 6pm

The Argus:

Jason Reeve took these at 8pm

The Argus:

The fifth and current HMS Mersey is a river-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) used by the British Royal Navy.

Pictures show the ship cruising in the sea off Brighton.

Locals were quick to spot the ship's arrival.

One Twitter user said: "Just went to walk the dog and noticed a huge boat in the water. What is it? Did Jay-Z and Beyonce come here on holiday?"

Another said: "I’m intrigued. There’s a warship in the sea in front of my flat. It’s just sitting there.

"Anyone know anything about it?"

The ship was still there at 8pm.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund