Devon and Cornwall Sea bathers warned of pollution after heavy rain

The Environment Agency said the pollution was "short term" and did not expect it to last more than 72 hours

People are being advised not to swim at 24 beaches in Devon and Cornwall because of bacterial pollution.

The Environment Agency blamed heavy rain for the problem, "as we have seen over the last couple of days".

It said the pollution was "short term" and did not expect it to last more than 72 hours.

Beaches affected include North Sands in Salcombe and Goodrington near Paignton, both in Devon, as well as Summerleaze in Bude, Cornwall, said the agency.

North Sands in Salcombe is among those affected

An agency spokesperson said there were a "number of factors that can influence the quality of bathing waters", including wind, sunlight, rain and tide.

"Sources of the bacteria can include water draining from agricultural and urban land during periods of heavy rain, as we have seen over the last couple of days," they said.

"Short term pollution cases are where we expect the pollution to last for no more than 72 hours."

It follows pollution warnings in August at more than 40 beaches and swimming spots in England and Wales after heavy rain overwhelmed sewer systems.