Jellyfish are invading the waters off Canvey.

Between 15 and 20 were washed up on the shores of Thorney Bay beach over the weekend and are fuelling concern among parents worried about their children being stung.

Barry Campagna, the chairman of Canvey Bay Watch, says that this has happened before, and warned families and residents to be careful.

He said: “I have not been made aware of anybody being stung, but the people need to stay vigilant, especially if there are young children on the beach. 

“It was like this when I was a child too.”

Mr Campagna said there were some fears there could be the return of a very dangerous breed of jellyfish called the Portuguese men of war.

Elaine Harvey, 64, from Beverley Avenue, was also aware of the breed that she said have venomous tentacles that can measure 10-feet in length.

Although there is no suggestion any of this latest washed up batch are this type. 

She said: “We used to have jelly fish a lot but I have not seen them for many years. They look slightly different from what I have seen before.”

The Marine Biology Association say that the jellyfish on Thorney Bay are Compass Jellyfish, which are common throughout the country during the summer months.

They are known to sting, however they are not dangerous.

John Webb of Janette Avenue gave advice on the best remedy for a sting in his experience.

Mr Webb said: “When we were children we would take vinegar with us so when we got stung, we would smother ourselves in it. I walked down there the other day and there was a lot of jellyfish, but at the seafront, people should take something with them to neutralise any strings they could get.”

The jellyfish have been seen at Thorney Bay throughout Mrs Harvey’s life and Mr Webb says they would also wash up on a walk way that previously was at Thorney Bay beach. 

The Canvey Bay Watch team are going to Thorney Bay today to assess the situation - and give advice to visitors.