People in Cleethorpes are urged not to get close to seals on the beach

The Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue group are urging people to keep their distance when they spot seals on the beach.

On boxing day, the group were alerted of a sighting of a seal on Cleethorpes Beach.

It's important to remember that these are wild animals

Adults, children and pets were surrounding the seal.

The group say this is a risk to people as well as the seal.

In a social media post the Wildlife Rescue group said:

'We sent volunteers to the location and were shocked to see adults encouraging children to get within a couple of meters of this large grey seal.'

'It's important to remember that these are wild animals.'

'They are unpredictable, can move surprisingly fast, are incredibly strong, and have a nasty bite.'

'We requested that people move back while we established a cordon for everyone’s safety, including that of the seal.'

'Seals use the beach to rest, often between tides and in most cases they just need to be left to rest. This particular seal did not need intervention and was allowed to rest while our volunteers managed the cordon.'

They are unpredictable, can move surprisingly fast, are incredibly strong

Later in the day, the seal headed back out into the sea.

If a seal is seen at the beach, the group suggest to keep a distance of 100 meters and put all dogs on their leads to keep everyone safe.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.