British holidaymakers flocking to Cornwall this summer may have more to worry about than encountering sharks and jellyfish in the sea.

A harbour master has warned of the dangers of swimming with potentially vicious seals who are capable of "ripping off a child's arm".

Steve Bassett, 64, has put up signs around the harbour in St Ives, Corwnwall, instructing people to keep a distance after seeing an increase in the number of people swimming with, feeding and surrounding the animals in the water.

One expert said seals could be vicious if feeling threatened and that, as the breeding season approaches, females are more likely to "strike out" to defend their pups.