Eyemouth beach swim warning after sewage pipe spill

Sewage sprayed out onto the streets of Eyemouth and some reached the nearby Eye Water

The public is being advised not to go swimming at Eyemouth beach following a sewage pipe spill.

Waste water sprayed high into the air during the incident under the town's Toll Bridge on Tuesday.

The leak was stopped but the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has advised against entering nearby water as a "precautionary measure".

Scottish Water apologised and blamed the spill on a pipe joint failure during repairs work.

Witnesses saw waste spraying out onto the road in Eyemouth - some of which seeped into the nearby Eye Water.

Residents and visitors complained about the smell coming from the spill.

Scottish Water said it was working to replace a pipe bridge in the area.

Signs have been changed to advise people to stay out of the water at Eyemouth as a "precautionary measure"

"During planned works to install a section of pipe, a joint failed resulting in a spill from the sewer," it said in a statement.

"The spill was stopped overnight and a repair is under way.

"Tankers are on site to help further reduce any impact while the repair is being undertaken."

It said Sepa was aware of the incident and pledged to carry out "all necessary clean-ups".

"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused," it added.

Sepa said it had changed signage in Eyemouth to advise against bathing or paddling in the water.

It said that would continue until it was satisfied that there was no longer a risk from the spill.

"Water quality testing has been carried out and Sepa officers are closely monitoring the situation," it added in a statement.