Beachgoers were shocked to discover the skeleton of a mermaid while soaking up the sun.
The bones were spotted on Worthing beach near Heene Road, by Ben Marchant on Monday afternoon.
It appears to be a normal-looking skeleton until the hips, where the legs have seemingly fused together to make a mermaid's tail.
Read more: Mermaids take over seafront as part of annual glittery march
Waves were lapping up onto the skeleton as it sat against a groyne on the shingle beach.
Ben shared a picture of the skeletal remains on Facebook group Worthing Now and Then.
He asked: "What is this?"
Some suggested it could be a prop from a film, or the work of an art student at nearby Northbrook College.
But The Argus understands the work is that of artist Rockabilly Rosie Lee, who shared a picture of the skeleton in the back of a car.
One commenter said: "Imagine getting pulled over with that in the back."
Rosie added: "It was a real challenge. I was given the half skeleton and asked for a full-size mermaid in return.
"It went through several metamorphoses, before the last one was chosen. It was probably the messiest project to date."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel