Belfast Lough: Search for distressed seal with tin can stuck on jaw

The seal was pictured beside Belfast Lough with a Red Bull can stuck on its jaw

A search is ongoing for a seal that was spotted in Belfast Lough with a drinks tin can stuck in its lower jaw.

The seal was spotted on Wednesday by Belfast Harbour Police and Lagan Search and Rescue and "seemed to be in distress".

A fresh search got under way at low tide on Friday.

Attempts were made by harbour police to help the animal earlier this week, but it swam away into Belfast Lough and has not been seen since.

Steven Yamin-Ali from Lagan Search and Rescue said the seal is at risk of drowning.

Speaking to the BBC's Evening Extra programme, Mr Yamin-Ali said he is hopeful the seal would be spotted.

"We're probably more concerned about members of the public going to help to seal and then getting into distress," he added.

Staff from Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, County Down, have also been assisting with the search.

Anyone who sees the animal is asked to contact an animal welfare organisations such as the USPCA.

Harbour Police urged visitors to coastal areas to "take rubbish home with them and dispose of it responsibly to avoid this type of incident occurring,"