Middlesbrough's Hemlington Lake toxic algae warning

The algae at Hemlington Lake is likely to subside when the weather cools, the council said

A toxic organism that can kill animals and make people sick has been found in a Middlesbrough lake.

Visitors to Hemlington Lake are being warned about blue-green algae, which can cause rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.

People should avoid the lake and make sure children and pets do not touch the water, Middlesbrough Council said.

Anyone taking part in water activities should wear protective clothing and shower afterwards, it advised.

The algae's blooms can look like paint or jelly or form small clumps and may be blue, green or brown.

They grow in inland waters, estuaries and the sea, especially in warm temperatures.