(REUTERS) - On England's east coast, a fifth sperm whale has been found washed up on the shore.

The discovery of the carcass in Skegness came after four others died in a spate of beachings in recent days.

Witnesses had spotted a pod of up to six whales close to the shoreline on Friday (Jan 22).

But by Monday, the animals had all left their marks on the coast, their remains drifting in and out with the shallow tidewaters.

Small groups of people have gathered around the corpses, taking photographs. Someone had even spray-painted on one whale's tail.

The cause of the deaths was not immediately known.

Officials say autopsies will be performed.