Visitors to West Dorset beaches have been advised not to swim after several storm sewage discharges in recent days.

Heavy rainfall on Monday night led to overflows and discharges in West Bay, Lyme Regis and across the county.

Surfers Against Sewage are tracking real-time sewage discharge and pollution risks around the UK.

Following heavy rains, storm sewage was discharged across the south of England.

On Tuesday June 20, sewage had been discharged at Lyme Regis front beach and West Bay, with pollution alerts issued for both beaches.

In Lyme Regis, visitors were advised not to bathe in the sea due to the pollution risk.

A statement from Surfers Against Sewage said: "Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.

"Bathing is not advised today due to the likelihood of reduced water quality."

In West Bay, pollution alerts at the beach were put in place on Tuesday and Wednesday (June 20 and 21), after sewage had been discharged in the previous 48 hours.

Both beaches are popular tourist destinations and attract hundreds of people to the beaches every year.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “A storm overflow, which discharges more than half kilometre off the beach, automatically operated following rainfall early on Tuesday morning. When this happens we notify Surfers Against Sewage and the council.

“Storm overflows are permitted by the Environment Agency and operate automatically, releasing mostly stormwater during or after intense rainfall to prevent flooding in people’s homes.

“We do not believe overflows are fit for the 21st century, which is why every month we’re investing £3 million on reducing storm overflows, starting with those that discharge most frequently or have any environmental impact.

"It is important to point out that water quality at beaches is assessed by the Environment Agency and most in Dorset are classified as ‘Excellent’.

"Storm overflow discharges near designated bathing waters in the Wessex Water region halved in 2022."