Blue-green algae is behind the deaths of three dogs at a popular lakes, it's been revealed.

Council tests have come back positive for the algae, after the Brooklands Lakes in Dartford were shut off this week.

A statement from Dartford council today said: "The Environment Agency has confirmed that initial tests have detected Blue-Green Algae in Brooklands Lakes and that they have sent further samples of the water for testing.

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"The algae growth is naturally-occurring and is potentially harmful to humans and toxic to animals."

But the agency has confirmed there is no action the council can take to remove the algae from the lakes or prevent it growing.

It's likely a change in the weather will be needed to kill it off.

The Powder Mill Lane lake will remain closed until the results of the further analysis have been received.

The statement comes after three dogs died and eight more became critically ill following a visit to a lake.

Parkvets Veterinary Hospital in Footscray, Sidcup, alerted easipetcare vets in Dartford to the deaths, and up to eight more much-loved pets which are fighting for their lives.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "Until we've analysed the necessary samples, we won't know what has caused these deaths.

VIDEO: Dog deaths lead to Dartford lake being taped off by police

"We haven't had any reports of fish dying, but that is also being looked at. We've been in contact with a local angling club and we're just encouraging people to stay away from the area for the moment.

"Contamination, and diseases such as Weil's are being checked for."

The lake is owned by Dartford council, and managed by the Dartford and District Angling and Preservation Society.

Steve Butler, who named himself as treasurer of the society on Facebook, said: "Can I point out there are no health issues with either the fish or bird life at the lakes. There has been no signs of barrels with skulls and the lakes are patrolled by our bailiffs several times a day.

"Also our bailiff's own dog swam in the water earlier today with no ill effects. The EA have just arrived to test the water and this will be published when available."

The lake has now been closed off by police and easipetcare has been warning owners of the potential risks of taking their pets to the nearby area.

It is understood a number of dogs are in a critical condition, but Parkvets refused to comment further.

But it's not the first time the lake has been affected by the algae.

In 2013 it was a cause for concern when blue-green algae appeared, which produces toxins.

The toxins could kill wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets. In humans, they can cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed.

A police spokeswoman said earlier this week: "Officers are asking people to avoid the lake off Powder Mill Lane, Dartford following reports that three dogs had died after drinking from it on Tuesday, May 17.

"The lake has been cordoned off and the Environment Agency notified after 3 dogs were reported to have died after being walked in the area and drinking from the lake.

"The circumstances are currently under investigation, it is understood the dogs were all being walked together. Police are warning people as a precaution, as yet the cause of the animal’s illness is not known and it has not been confirmed if they were contaminated by anything in the lake."