Hove: 'Giant' rodent washed up on beach near Rockwater

The creature was found dead on Hove beach near Rockwater after heavy rain and strong winds this morning.

It is about three foot long and reminiscent of a large rat, but with large yellow teeth like a beaver. 

The beachgoer, from Brighton, who did not wish to be named, said he spotted the giant creature washed up at 1pm.

The creature has large teeth like a beaver (Image: Submitted)

"I thought it was a beaver at first but it is more likely coypu, which is an invasive species which can be found in Jersey," they said.

"I think it is about three foot long, including its tail."

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The giant rat-like creature coypu, an invasive species, was eradicated from the UK in the 1980s due to the damage the species caused to land and crops.

The creature next to a size 11 welly measuring around 30cm (Image: Submitted)

The creature was first spotted in Jersey last October and, at the time, residents were advised not to approach it. 

It was allegedly been spotted again earlier this year, with a sighting was reported to the government's natural environment team in April.

Professor Fiona Matthews, from the University of Sussex's school of life sciences, confirmed that the creature looks like a coypu, based on its tail and teeth.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been approached for comment regarding its disposal.