Killer stingray found off British coast as experts warn of mass invasion due to global warming

A stingray that kills its prey with a giant electric shock has been found off the coast of Britain, it emerged today.

The ocean monster, which generates a power surge so strong it is like being plugged into the mains, normally lives in the warmer waters of the Mediterranean.

Now experts fear shoals of marbled stingray - a relative of the fish that killed Australian crocodile hunter Steve Irwin - will invade Britain this summer due to global warming.


Shocking: A stingray like the one landed by fishermen near Shoreham, West Sussex

One of the predators, which can grow up to 5ft long and kill a man with a single touch, was discovered by fishermen off the coast of Shoreham, West Sussex.

Skipper Brian Davey told the Daily Star: "I wasn't quick enough to warn my younger crew member Lee before he handled it.

"But luckily for him I think it had discharged on its way up. Otherwise he could have found himself flat on the deck wondering what him."

The captured stingray, which can deliver a charge of up to 240 volts, is now recovering at Brighton's Sea Life centre.


Ray victim: Steve Irwin swimming off the Great Barrier reef just before the attack in September 2006

Staff there have nicknamed her Carmen, after the former Baywatch star Carmen Electra.

Experts expect more of the fish to arrive during the summer and warned swimmers to be careful.

Sea Life curator Alex Gerrard said: "Where there's one electric ray, it's quite likely that there are more.

"Rising sea temperatures may well have brought an influx of warm water visitors."