The recovery of segments of giant pipes which have washed up on beaches in Norfolk could take weeks, it has emerged.

Eastern Daily Press: One pipe is visible on the beach at Horsey at low tide. Photo: John GoffinOne pipe is visible on the beach at Horsey at low tide. Photo: John Goffin (Image: John Goffin)

The Norwegian-made 8ft (2.4m) diameter plastic pipes, with the longest beached segment 1,574ft (480m) long, washed up at Horsey, Winterton and Sea Palling.

They came loose off the East Anglian coast as they were being tugged to Algeria in north Africa for a large project.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency says it could take several weeks for them to be recovered.

It has been working with the industry involved, local government, environmental regulators and port authorities to resolve the matter.

Eastern Daily Press: The 200ft pipe. Photo: David VyseThe 200ft pipe. Photo: David Vyse (Image: David Vyse)

All of the pipes have been brought under control, with some re-attached to towing vessels and others anchored just off shore. The Coastguard say they pose no danger and will be relocated offshore ahead of towing them back to Norway.