Visitors are being warned to keep their distance from the animal and be aware of the tides.

The 45ft male sperm whale became stranded around a mile north of the Le Strange Arms on Thursday morning. Scientists took samples yesterday, in a bid to discover why it and more than 20 others have become stranded in recent weeks.

Thousands have flocked to the scene of strandings at Hunstanton and Skegness. large numbers are expected today as the weekend gets under way.

West Norfolk council said people should not touch the whale or allow dogs to come into contact with its carcase. It is also warning shellfish in this area must not be collected for personal consumption and water sports enthusiasts including bathers should be aware that water quality could be affected.

It added: 'Visitors are being encouraged to keep their distance from the whale and to put their own safety first by making sure they are aware of the tides.

'Sperm whales are a species protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Anyone removing, or attempting to remove, parts of the whale could be committing a criminal offence.'