Nature is being left to take her course in the sad saga of the dead minke whale washed up at Sheringham.

Eastern Daily Press: The dead minke whale washed up on Sheringham beach. Picture: KAREN BETHELLThe dead minke whale washed up on Sheringham beach. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The rotting animal was draped over a groyne on the resort's west beach yesterday and North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) chiefs decided to wait for last night's high tide before opting for a course of action.

This afternoon an NNDC spokesman said: 'Last night's and this morning's high tides have moved the minke whale carcass towards the very eastern end of Sheringham.

'The decomposing carcass is being broken up by the movement of the sea and there are currently no plans to remove it. We will continue to monitor its whereabouts and reassess the situation.'

The council is advising people not to touch the whale, or allow dogs to come into contact with it.

First reports of the dead minke on the Norfolk coast surfaced on January 17 when it appeared at Salthouse.

On Tuesday this week it drifted ashore at Weybourne and washed down to Sheringham overnight.