Pieces of paraffin wax that were washed up on Norfolk and Suffolk beaches are not likely to have come from the oil tankers moored off Waveney's coast, according to an official investigation.

The solid white lumps were discovered on a number of beaches including Southwold, Lowestoft, Winterton, Happisburgh and Waxham in the last six months.

Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey arranged for a sample of the wax found at Sizewell to be sent for tests by the Marine and Coastguard Agency(MCA).

One suggestion was the paraffin wax might have come from the fleet of oil tankers currently moored off the coast between Lowestoft and Southwold.

But Dr Coffey has received a report from the MCA which states the wax sample showed no visible signs of oil contamination. The report says: 'The wax found was a refined paraffin wax, which more than likely came from a chemical tanker carrying paraffin wax as cargo'.

Dr Coffey said: 'I am concerned that this wax has come on to our beaches and have asked the MCA to continue its investigation. However, I am pleased that the analysis suggests that the wax is not coming from oil tankers.'

The Suffolk Coast and Heaths area of natural beauty unit has launched investigation into the paraffin wax. Anyone who discovers any should contact the unit on 01394 384948 or email lynn.allen@suffolk.gov.uk