WARMER weather over the bank holiday is likely to increase the number of rare sea creatures washing up on Sussex beaches, a council is warning.

Adur and Worthing Councils is urging people to take care when visiting beaches in the county following increased sights of Portuguese Man O’War.

The sea creatures, which have a potentially fatal sting, have already been spotted on beaches in Brighton, Goring, Seaford and Climping this year.

A council spokesman said: “With the recent windy weather, it’s possible there may be further Portuguese Man O’War along out stretch of coastline.

“If you, or a visitor to our beach are stung, it is important to know what to do and to following NHS advice.”

Portuguese Man O’War are a kind of colonial hydrozoan - small organisms which can only survive as a group.

The Argus: The creatures spotted on Brighton beach earlier this year. The animal was spotted on Brighton beach yesterday morning: Photo credit: Sammie Bailey @the_plastic_coastThe creatures spotted on Brighton beach earlier this year. The animal was spotted on Brighton beach yesterday morning: Photo credit: Sammie Bailey @the_plastic_coast

The Sussex Wildlife Trust is also warning people to stay away if they see a Portuguese Man O’War after sightings of the “bizarre” species on the pebbles in the last few days.

A spokesman for the trust said: “Over the last few years, we seem to be seeing an increasing number of Portuguese Man O’ War washed up on Sussex beaches.

"Usually more common at the western end of the Channel, this species has been spotted washed up on various Sussex beaches after the recent storms.

“Although related to jellyfish, they are actually a colonial animal called a siphonophore.

“These creatures are beautifully coloured but are dangerous – do not attempt to handle them as they have a nasty sting which can be fatal in rare cases.”

The creature takes its name from an 18th century sailing ship, as its gas-filled bladder sits above the water and appears to resemble a warship at full sail.

Ella Garrud, living seas officer at the trust previously told The Argus it is “pretty rare” for Portuguese Man O’War to be seen this far down the channel, as they are typically found in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, but they are more likely to wash up on British shores after westerly winds.