A woman was forced to throw her ice cream in the bin after finding a “disgusting” dead body on the beach.
The shocking discovery was made by Lizzie May on Hove beach on Sunday, April 19, when she was hit by a strong smell before noticing the rotting body of a dead seal.
Ms May said the stench was “absolutely disgusting” and forced her to throw away her ice cream.
She said: “We were walking along the promenade with our ice creams, which we waited for ages to get, then one minute later we were hit with the most horrid smell.
“We thought it might be some sewage or something, until we saw two little kids were pointing down to the beach at this dead seal.”
It appeared to have been noticed by the authorities – with a piece of tape saying ‘coastguard’ and half a black bin bag draped over it.
Ms May said: “It was wrapped horribly like some sloppy murderer had disposed of a body.
“Their parents were really upset as to why it had just been left in the open like that for everyone to see, in such a busy part of Hove beach.”
Ms May believes the seal had been there for several days (Image: Supplied)
Ms May questioned why the seal had not been covered or removed.
She said: “You’d think they might do more to conceal it. With the sun being out too, it just isn’t okay.
“The insides of its body were visibly coming out too.
“My ice cream went into the bin.”
Ms May raised concerns about how long the animal had been left on the beach.
She said: “I spoke to someone at a bar later in the evening and they said their wife had seen it there a couple of days earlier.
“Why hasn’t the council or coastguard done anything about this apart from sticking a binbag half over it and a bit of tape?
“It’s almost laughable they thought it would make any difference!
“But ultimately it is a really, really sad sight to see. It’s an environmental hazard and really ruined a lovely day.”
Ms May said she smelt the seal before she saw it (Image: Supplied)
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Councillor Tim Rowkins, cabinet member for environmental services and net zero, said: “We were saddened to learn of the seal that washed up on Hove beach.
“Encounters like this are always upsetting, and we understand the concern it can cause for both residents and visitors.
“Usually, the tide washes away animals in these types of incidents. On this occasion, our Seafront Office is arranging for the seal to be removed as soon as possible.
“We’re grateful to the public for their understanding and remind everyone to report any similar sightings so they can be dealt with swiftly and respectfully.”
The coastguard has also been approached for comment.