Porpoise rescue attempt fails

There is a porpoise population in the area

An attempt to save an injured porpoise washed ashore on a County Londonderry beach has failed.

The porpoise was found at Benone Strand near Castlerock on Wednesday night.

USPCA vets were sent to the scene after the mammal was seen by members of the public.

But the USPCA's director Stephen Philpott said it was too badly injured to be saved.

Speaking on Thursday, Mr Philpott said: "It had large gashes to his head which we think were caused by a propeller.

"And unfortunately the animal had to be put to sleep.

"It is something that has become more and more frequent up in that area.

"We are fairly sure that this animal lived in and around Portstewart harbour.

"There is a resident population of porpoise in there."