Beachgoers told to exit water due to pollution

The Environment Agency detected elevated readings of ammonia in a brook linked to the beach

Swimmers have been told to stay out of the water at a Devon beach after a pollution incident.

The Environment Agency is investigating after it detected "elevated readings of ammonia" in a brook that connects to the bathing water at Exmouth beach.

South West Water (SWW) said it had not had any storm overflow spills in the area.

Beachgoer Jamie Steadman said: "We spent money on all day parking, went to the beach for an hour and [were] then told we can't swim in the water."

Mr Steadman visited the beach at about 11:00 BST before lifeguards and the council started to display warning signs.

He said lifeguards would not reveal further details about the pollution after instructing swimmers to exit the water.

"The response was 'we can't tell you but there is pollution in the water'," he added.

"They're telling everyone to get out of the water... but there's no explanation as to why, what or when.

"The whole of Exmouth beach is now cordoned off."

'Red flags'

East Devon District Council (EDDC) said a "pollution incident reporting tool" was issued as a precaution by the Environment Agency due to "elevated ammonia levels".

The Environment Agency said: "South West Water are supporting this action by checking their assets, including for any potential misconnections to their sewerage network in the area."

EDDC said council officers lowered the blue flag and lifeguards would fly the red flag to advise against swimming.

"No swimming signs will also be displayed," it said.

"We hope we can remove these signs and the red flags as soon as possible."

SWW said: "The Environment Agency have assured us that they are thoroughly investigating and we will continue to support in any way we can."

Beachgoer Louise Hughes had been hoping to swim

Exmouth resident Louise Hughes said it was "disappointing".

"We came today to the beach because it was so hot, we really wanted to go swimming," she said.

Alex Harding said water pollution had never been a problem for him when travelling abroad.

"Why is this just a British problem?" he asked.

Mr Harding said too many excuses were being made about water pollution

He added: "Why can't we get our act together and just make it so that, consistently, you can come to a beach? It's not much to ask, is it?

"Coming to a beach and to go in the sea, it's not rocket science.

"But all too often it's just 'no, you can't go in because of this, because of that', excuses, excuses."