A DANGEROUS predator has been spotted near a UK holiday hotspot – and locals have been told to avoid it.

       An aquatic animal described as a "fearsome predator" was spotted in Wembury, Devon on Wednesday.

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       A Portuguese Man O'War was found floating off the coast of Devon Credit: Samantha Barnes 2

       Wembury, Devon attracts new holidaymakers every summer Credit: Alamy

       It was found by a Devon Wildlife Trust volunteer while she was kayaking offshore.

       The Wembury Marine Centre identified it as a Portuguese Man O'War, which is often likened to a jellyfish.

       The purple-blue sea creature is capable of stinging, including after its death.

       But the odd-looking animal is not a killer predator.

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       The Wembury Marine Centre also said other people had seen Man O'Wars washing up on the beach this week.

       Locals of South Devon were advised to avoid touching the exotic creatures.

       "Be careful not to touch," they warned on Facebook.

       Portuguese Man O'War are found on the shores of South England after westerly winds, The Wildlife Trusts say.

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       They are also unable to swim, though they can hunt small prey with their long stinging tentacles.

       "It's these tentacles that you need to watch out for too - they can sting long after the animal has died," the Wildlife Trusts' website says.

       They also advise locals to report any sightings of the animal to a Wildlife Trust.

       It comes as a UK attraction in Devon was put on 'code red' alert – after a monkey escaped its cage.

       Paignton Zoo put members of the public on lockdown untilthe animal was found among the rhinos.