Warning over 'hazardous' life raft on beach

The life raft inflated after it had been "tampered with", Friends of Portheras Cove said

Beachgoers have been warned to steer clear of a "hazardous" life raft which washed up on a Cornish beach.

Friends of Portheras Cove said the raft washed ashore on 2 December and was moved by coastguards to a safe position with a "do not touch" warning while they contacted the owners to arrange removal.

Delia Webb, a marine biologist and member of the group, said someone "tampered with" the life raft, which was still in its canister, overnight on Wednesday causing it to inflate.

She said the group had reported it to the coastguard again "at first light" but it was now in "a really hazardous position and some of its contents, [such as emergency flares], are hazardous".

"It's in the worst position, because as you get on to the cove it's right at the bottom of the steps," she said.

Ms Webb added the coastguard had tried to contact the owners of the life raft.

"We're hoping somebody moves it," she said, but it would "need a team of people or a helicopter" because of its weight.