A LUCKY passer-by was fortunate enough to spot a seal tucking into a fish.

Paul Gorringe was walking along Southwick beach on Wednesday morning when he spied the mammal poking its grey head above the water.

The video shows the seal holding a fish between his flippers before disappearing under the water.

The Argus: Seal spotted just off Southwick beach

Paul said he got his “flippers in a twist” as he “hurriedly” tried to capture the magical moment, but after watching the footage back, he said it has “his seal of approval.”

He believes the animal was “likely” a common seal rather than the much larger grey, harbour seal.

Paul said: “After eating they often haul out onto beaches or rock clusters to digest their meal.

“This one is munching on flatfish of some sort, probably plaice or flounder.”

Brighton Dolphin Project, a charity project of the World Cetacean Alliance, record sightings of marine life to help people with its conservation work.

The Argus: Seal spotted just off Southwick beach

A spokesman said that the charity has received several reports of common harbour seals being sighted around Sussex.

Earlier this month, a seal was seen capturing and eating a fish in the River Adur, Shoreham.

In January, Argus Camera Club member Sue Barnett spotted a seal near Shoreham and managed to get close-up pictures of him in action and resting on the riverbank.

The Sea Watch Foundation has asked the public to help gather further information for a study of Sussex seals in lockdown.