A BOTTLENOSE dolphin has been spotted in the river Severn near Gloucester.

The dolphin was seen in the river between Stonebench and Elmore Lane West. 

Marine conservationists have been keeping watch of the dolphin and people have been advised to leave it alone as it is hoped it will find its way to safety.

Bottlenose dolphins live in groups typically of 10–30 members, called pods, but group size varies from single individuals up to more than 1,000.

However the conservationists have said it is unusual for a dolphin to be spotted in a river.

They often hunt for fish individually and reconnect with other members of their group later on.