Members of the public are being warned to steer clear of a 25ft rotting fish carcass on West Kilbride Beach.

The dead adult basking shark, which could explode due to decomposition gases, washed up on the shore sometime last week but was too decomposed for marine specialists to determine what caused its death.

A marine expert is advising dogwalkers to keep their pets away from the putrid remains and warning members of the public against taking ‘souvenirs’ from it.

David Devoy, area coordinator at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and medic at Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS), was alerted to the dead shark on Friday, September 27 and attended the scene with Ardrossan Coastguard. He also informed North Ayrshire Council who will arrange for the carcass to be removed.

David told the Herald: “I got a phone call saying a basking shark washed up on West Kilbride Beach. It had been deceased for obviously some time.

“Normally we would take samples of skin or muscle, but it was too far gone to determine how it died. There was rope round the dorsal fin so it could have been entangled but we don’t know for sure.

“It could be an infection hazard if a dog goes over and sniffs at it. We would advise members of the public just to stay away from it and try not to take any souvenirs. It’s been known for people to take bits, like a shark’s fin or something.

“If it gets washed out to sea it could possibly be a danger to smaller boats – it’s over 20ft long. It’s embedded in a sandbar just now so it might remain where it is so the council will have to remove it.

“If it remains on the beach it could be an environmental hazard because if the gases build up and the stomach blows, it’s not nice for dog walkers or people on the beach.

“The council are aware of it though. They’ll either put it in landfill or bury it where it is.

“Any time I’ve phoned the council for the removal of a dead seal or porpoise it does often take some time. This weighs about two-three tonnes so it’s going to be a logistical operation for them.

“It’s unusual for something this big to wash up here.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are working with partners, including SEPA, to determine the best way of disposing of the carcass.”