A bright blue substance discovered in Littleham Brook, in Exmouth, Devon, has prompted the Environment Agency to advise people against bathing as a precaution.
Officers attended the site after receiving a report of the unknown substance and found no visible environmental impacts. The agency said the source was traced to an industrial site, but the discharge has now stopped and stressed that the incident is not linked to the sewage network.
However, the blue substance continued to move downstream and was expected to reach the bathing water area.
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The agency is awaiting further information to establish the pollutant’s toxicity, although it believes the substance is likely to be ink. Until more is known, the bathing warning will remain in place on Swimfo and through local signage. Officers will continue monitoring the site and bathing water and will lift the advice as soon as it is considered safe.
PHOTO: EA
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