A seventh whale is apparently stranded off the coast of Norfolk, coastguards said.

The whale is reported to be alive and thrashing about in the shallow water.

It is the seventh to wash up in the area in recent weeks but sadly all have died.

The Mundesley Coastguard Rescue Team in Norfolk are currently keeping an eye on the whale, whcih is 300-400 yards off shore.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue, the Zoological Society of London, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Receiver of Wreck and the local council have also been informed.

UK Coastguard Mike Puplett said: "We are advising people to keep at a safe distance from the whale, so we do not cause any further distress to it.

"We are doing all we can to assist the local authorities and allow those with rescue experience to do their work."