Scientists believe that a recent wave of fatal corkscrew-like injuries to seals discovered in Scotland and Northern Ireland are the result of contact with boat propellers.

Original speculation on the ususual injuries pointed the blame at sharks.

But Dr David Thompson, who lead a team of researchers at the University of St Andrews, found that the unique spiralling pattern of the wounds were "entirely consistent with the animals being sucked through large ducted propellers".

More than 30 dead seals - mostly harbour seals - have been found since August 2009, from the Tay and Forth estuaries in Scotland to Strangford Lough.

Researchers believe the incidents may be confined to areas where ships operate in shallow water, but fear they could be more widespread.

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