Pod of 23 pilot whales found dead after mass stranding

The whales are thought to have been dead for several days

A pod of 23 pilot whales have died after a mass stranding in Orkney.

The mammals were discovered on the island of Sanday on Sunday but it appears they may have been dead for several days.

A full investigation into the stranding will now take place.

Last summer 77 pilot whales washed ashore on the island.

About a dozen that were still alive were euthanised.

The carcasses were later buried at multiple land sites, which were approved after tests were carried out to prevent any possible disturbance to archaeological sites.

The pod included male whales up to seven metres (22ft) long as well as females, calves and juveniles.