A monstrous creature with flippers and pointed teeth has left beachgoers bewildered after washing up on a beach in Norfolk.

The dinosaur-like animal surfaced the shore already “heavily decomposed” with only some areas of flesh remaining.

It was spotted by Catherine Sabbarton-Wright, 29, who said the sheer size of the furry beast and its large canines initially drew her attention.

The strange creature was found on Cley Beach near Norwich.

The strange creature was found on Cley Beach near Norwich

Sabbarton-Wright, a pastry chef, likened the size of the strange animal to “a large deer or small cow.”

The 29-year-old added that she regularly comes across both dead and alive animals in rural Norfolk, however remarked that “it is not common to come across such a large animal.”

Her sister, who is a vet, circulated images of the creature on a Facebook group for naturalists where a member suggested the animal could be a "mermaid".

The mystical beast was even likened to the demonic “black shuck dog” that according to local folklore roams the East Anglian coastline.

The dinosaur-like animal surfaced the shore already 'heavily decomposed'

Marine mammal expert Rob Deaville said the Jurassic-resembling creature is likely a seal but said it was “too far gone” to specify which species.

Sabbarton-Wright however doubted the animal was a seal at first glance due to its large size.