A STRANDED whale that got stuck on the Lizard this afternoon has died.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue, a voluntary network of trained marine mammal medics who respond to such incidents, said it was alerted to the fin whale at Nare Point at around 2pm.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: "A small group of BDMLR medics went out to assess the situation, but on arrival found the whale had died.

"This was confirmed by our vet at 3.45pm.

"We are now collecting measurements for the strandings network, who will then follow up with their own investigations."

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "At 3.50pm on Friday, February 14, a fin whale of approximately 60ft in length became stranded on rocks at Nare Point on the Lizard. The whale is dead.

"Members of the public are advised not to attend the privately owned beach, due to the possibility the road network could become severely congested, causing long delays in the locale. Consideration should also be given to the safety aspects surrounding the rapid decomposition of the whale's body."