ANIMAL lovers hope a porpoise/dolphin stranded in the River Parrett will swim back to the sea on the tide.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said they were alerted to the incident in Bridgwater at 6.10pm today, Friday, May 15.

The service contacted the RSPCA and the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme hotline, who got in touch with local representatives to attend.

The spokesman said: "At this stage it is hoped that with the tide going out that the animal will manage to swim in the right direction back to the sea.

"Police were requested to attend due to the general interest of members of the public."

People are being urged not to try to assist the animal in any way as they could be putting themselves at risk due to the muddy conditions on the banks of the Parrett.

The RSPCA and CSIP are monitoring the situation.