Sargassum seaweed could have been the cause of a foul smell emanating out of the West End and other locations around the island last week.

A post on the Facebook group MAJ’s List questioned a chemical-like odour in Somerset and as far towards the east as Hamilton.

It attracted nearly 50 comments, mostly from others who had also experienced the smell.

Many speculated that it could the distinct aroma of church worms, others suggested spice trees or coral in bloom.

Some people guessed it was from the large amounts of sargassum seaweed that recently washed ashore — a theory the Government suspected may be correct.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment said: “A Department of Environment and Natural Resources team visited the West End to investigate.

“During its assessment, no unusual odours were detected.

“However, given the considerable amount of sargassum in the surrounding waters and recent reports of degrading sargassum contributing to odours in other areas, it is possible that decaying seaweed may be the cause.

“Environmental factors such as wind direction and coastal conditions could influence where and when the smell is most noticeable.

“The department will keep an eye on the situation and appreciates reports from the public that may help find any persistent sources.”

Sargassum is a genus of large brown seaweed that is carried north to Bermuda waters by winds and currents from the Sargasso Sea.

Significant volumes of the plant swamped parts of the island early this month.