A mystery sea creature, thought to be a Stone fish, found on Formby beach.

A walker feared a dead sea creature on Formby beach was a poisonous Stone fish.

The dead fish, which appeared to have claws and a fin, was found found on Tuesday afternoon by Michelle Snelling. Michelle, a mum from Lydiate, spotted the dead fish while on one of her regular walks with a friend. She told Visiter.co.uk that she feared the find was a Stone fish, which are extremely venomous.

The lady who found this creature said It was a few feet long, and had a leopard print on its scales. It had claws and a fin. I though it was a shark at first. I though it might be a Stone fish, but they are found in the south Pacific, not Formby. I just hope its not a poisonous fish, because so many children play on the beach."

My daughter loves the photographs. Although it was a bit scary the dead fish has not put me off Formby. I love walking on the beach, at least twice a week."

A marine expert said that the fish is the remains of a Skate or Ray that has had its wings cut off, so giving the misleading impression of a long thin fish.

Photos and story by: Tom Duffy at www.southportvisiter.co.uk