Rare dolphins spotted off coast

Rare Risso's dolphins live in the waters off the Isle of Man

A number of rare Risso's dolphins have been spotted off the coast of the Isle of Man in just over three months.

According to the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch website, two creatures were seen around Onchan Head and Douglas breakwater on Wednesday lunch time.

Three were observed near to Onchan Head on Monday and another sighting was given on Sunday off Douglas Head.

There have been 17 separate sightings of the species on 12 different days since the start of 2008.

Little is known about Risso's dolphins which can be up to 12ft (3.6m) long.

They have stocky heads without a beak and are light grey to white with a white chin and extensive scarring which is a result of other Risso's dolphins who use their front teeth when playing and fighting.