River Turns Toxic Blue: 'Do Not Swim' Alert Issued

Environment bosses have issued a critical "do not swim" advisory at the UK beauty spot of Littleham Brook in Exmouth, following the discovery of a pollutant that has turned the river a vivid blue.

Officials from the Environment Agency (EA) attended the scene and confirmed the substance originated from an industrial source. While no immediate environmental damage was visible, the agency advised against entering the water at Exmouth beach as a precautionary measure while toxicity tests are conducted.

The leak was initially reported on Friday evening. The EA stated that the pollutant is not linked to the sewage network and has ceased. However, it is continuing its flow downstream, with an expected arrival at the bathing waters later on Saturday. The agency plans to reassess the swimming advisory and lift it once the water is deemed safe.

The EA's interactive map details how Exmouth bathing water is influenced by the Littleham Brook catchment, spanning approximately 600 hectares, and the larger Exe Estuary catchment. The Littleham Brook itself runs for four and a half kilometers from Littleham Village to Maer Rocks, where it is channeled to the sea beneath the beach.

This incident is projected to be resolved by September 15.