Japan: Radioactive levels in sea 1,250 times higher than the safety limit

Levels of radioactive iodine in the sea near the tsunami-stricken Fukushima nuclear plant are 1,250 times higher than the safety limit, officials say.

The readings were taken about 300m (984ft) offshore. It is feared the radiation could be seeping into groundwater from one of the reactors.

But the radiation will no longer be a risk after eight days, officials say.

The BBC's Chris Hogg in Tokyo said the Japanese government had tried to reassure people about the safety of the nuclear plant.