Coastguards were sent to investigate a dead porpoise washed up on a beach.

Eastern Daily Press: The jetty on Snettisham beach. Picture: Ian BurtThe jetty on Snettisham beach. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2013)

The marine mammal was found at Snettisham this afternoon. Hunstanton coastguard told facebook followers: 'Team tasked to reports of a dead porpoise on the beach at Snettisham, the porpoise was located and the required measurements and forms filled in to be sent to the Natural History Museum.'

The museum hosts the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation programme, which investigates the deaths of marine mammals washed up on beaches.

They range from those of porpoises - the smallest marine mammal around our coasts - to those of large whales which have washed up on our shores in recent winters.

Porpoises are common in the North Sea and sometimes venture into The Wash and rivers such as the Great Ouse and Nene, which flow into it. The cause of the creature's death is currently unknown.

Eastern Daily Press: A fin whale washed up on the beach between Burnham Overy Staithe and Holkham. Picture: Chris BishopA fin whale washed up on the beach between Burnham Overy Staithe and Holkham. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

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