It was discovered on Newquay's Fistral Beach at dawn on Wednesday, according to Rob Barber, director of the Newquay Activity Centre.

He told Sky News: "We noticed what looked like a big, uncovered, grey rock but as the light got brighter, we could see it was a creature of some kind.

"After we investigated, we found a 16-metre long whale.

"It's super sad obviously but it's also phenomenally interesting."

He said the whale is thought to have been seen alive on Tuesday, swimming close to Newquay Bay in Towan Head.

Local resident Kathryn Fuller said the sight of the dead whale was "heart-breaking".

"As a community we strive to protect our waters, wildlife and sea life," she told Sky News.

"It's deeply saddening, especially as it's suspected to be a young whale too."

The whale is a juvenile fin whale that measures up to 16m long.

Fin whales are the second-largest mammal following the blue whale in the world, according to conservation organisation WWF.

They are often called the "greyhounds of the sea" as they can reach speeds of up to 30mph and their size can reach lengths of up to 27m.

Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid the area.

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Mr Barber said a 20-metre cordon was set up around the whale because he was told at the scene that its "blood can be quite toxic".

Cornwall Council said it was working with police, coastguard and lifeboat crews to coordinate the removal of the whale.

It described the operation as "incredibly challenging and difficult", and required specialist machinery.

"A cordon will remain in place around the whale while it remains on the beach, and the public are asked to stay away from the area", the council added.