Locals and visitors were taken aback by the eerie sight of huge deep-red spots, resembling bloodstains on the Caspian Riviera by the city of Aktau in south-eastern Kazakhstan.

The unsettling photos show a stretch of the coast turning dark red on the clear white snow, creating a strange phenomenon.

Local environmental experts claim that the water is not polluted despite its scary appearance.

According to local media, the reason for its change in colour is a special type of algae known as Diatoms.

Despite its appearance, the algae does not cause any danger to fish or humans who come into contact with it.