Humpback whale spotted in New York's East River

A whale, which officials believe is a humpback, was spotted in New York's East River on Saturday morning.

The whale was seen near E.87th Street around 10am, police said.

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NYPD Chief of Special Operations Division Harry Wedin tweeted a photo of the whale and wrote: "#Harbor spotted another whale in the E. River this morning right next to Gracie Mansion.

"Even the wildlife want to ring in #NYE2017 in #NYC."

According to New York Daily News, the United States Coast Guard put out a warning to people in the area to steer clear of the mammal.

Speaking to the Guardian, Paul Sieswerda, who leads volunteer marine wildlife tracking group Gotham Whale, said: "It's uncommon for whales to be around this late in the season, and even more unusual for them to be in the harbour.

"Humpbacks would normally be heading for the warm waters of the Dominican Republic."

It is the second time in two months that a whale has been seen in New York's waterways.

A humpback whale was spotted near the George Washington Bridge in November.