SEA creatures who deliver an 'excruciatingly painful' sting have been spotted on beaches in Wales.

Coastguard - Mid and NW Wales, who cover from Pwllygrannant (South of Cardigan) to Colwyn Bay, said they have received several reports of Portuguese Man O’War washing upon Welsh beaches over the weekend.

For humans, a man o' war sting is said to be excruciatingly painful, but rarely deadly.

Even dead man-of-wars washed up on shore can deliver a sting.

Coastguard - Mid and NW Wales Posted on Facebook: "We have received several reports of Portuguese man-o-war washing upon Welsh beaches this weekend.

"Please be wary as their sting can pack a punch and they can still sting weeks after being washed ashore."

A spokesperson for the government organisation told the Journal: "We’ve had quite a few reports - formally and informally. Tywyn, Barmouth and Harlech the last couple of days. Other places like Llansteffan [situated on the South coast of Carmarthenshire] have also seen them."

The spokesperson said they sea creatures are not 'rare'.

They added: "I’m certainly no expert but I believe they prefer warmer water which is why we tend to see them in the summer months.

"I think given the strong winds we had last week that it has brought them over Friday and Saturday just gone.

"It’s unusual for this time of year."