A DEAD 50ft fin whale washed up at Dawlish Warren should be removed by the end of the weekend, it’s been revealed.

Overnight security was in place at the resort’s Red Rock Beach between Langstone Rock and Black Bridge to deter inquisitive members of the public from getting too close to the carcass.

The giant creature was washed up between Wednesday night and early yesterday morning, leaving the authorities scratching their heads on how best to dispose of the incredible bulk.

Concerted efforts were underway today to remove the forlorn visitor to a ‘licensed facility for disposal.’

It’s thought the whale may have been injured by Channel shipping off the French coast last month before dying of its injuries and floating lifeless to Langstone Rock.

Teignbridge Council have opted for a land-based operation of removal rather than one from the sea after consulting experts from the Receiver of the Wreck as well as coastguards and Network Rail.

Cllr Humphrey Clemens, the council’s executive spokesman for coastal services, said late yesterday: ‘Teignbridge is working really hard to deal with the sad and unusual situation where a dead fin whale washed up near Langstone Rock.

‘Our main task now is to recover and remove the whale. We’ve looked at options that overcome factors such as the limited vehicle access to the beach, changing tides, the weather and the level of public interest with lots of people visiting the beach to see it.’

He added: ‘The public’s health and safety is a key consideration for us. Moving the whale by land is going to be the most appropriate option and we are aiming to appoint a contractor to safely remove the carcass within the next 48 hours and take it to a licensed facility for disposal. 

‘Security will be on site overnight to make sure people are staying behind the cordon. 

‘It is a sad sight to see – and we’re committed to dealing with it in the most appropriate way. We would like to thank all our residents and visitors for their co-operation so far.’