Thor: Visiting walrus prompts warning at Calshot beach

The walrus, nicknamed Thor, was discovered at Calshot in the early hours

A walrus was found resting on a Hampshire beach, prompting warnings for the public to stay away from it.

Nicknamed Thor, the creature was discovered at Calshot in the early hours.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), monitored the large marine mammal, which it said swam off again during the early afternoon.

The charity said the walrus had needed to regain its strength before making its next journey.

BDMLR said: "We've not had any location details yet as to where it's gone - but it may well appear somewhere along the coast again tonight or tomorrow.

"If you do happen to spot it, don't share the location on social media but stay well clear and contact us."

The age and whether the walrus is male or female is not yet known

Dan Jarvis, director of welfare and conservation, at BDMLR said Thor is known to have visited the Netherlands, Dieppe and Brittany in recent weeks.

He said: "Repeated visitors are going to prevent the animal from conserving its energy and making its next journey."

"The more people than can leave it alone, the better chance it has of surviving," he added.

Coastguard officers set up a cordon along the stretch of beach to keep gathering crowds a safe distance away from Thor.

Fully-grown walruses weigh about two tonnes and measure nearly 4m long. The tusked creatures live can for 40 years.

BDMLR said it was vital the public kept their distance from the walrus so it could rest before making a move