A Kent beach has been hit with a "do not swim" warning following a “discharge of wastewater”.

The warning is currently in place in Hythe after sewage from Southern Water’s pumping station in Range Road was released into the sea.

After pumps failed due to flooding, the discharge – described as “screened and diluted” by the water company – has had to pass through the short sea outfall, approximately 400 metres offshore.

The advice not to swim today has come from the Environment Agency.

Southern Water says residents at the address in Hythe can expect an “increase in noise and activity” over the weekend as they carry out “essential repairs”.

Earlier this year, a similar warning was introduced at St Mary’s Bay on Romney Marsh following the discovery of unsafe levels of bacteria in the water.

Southern Water has been contacted for a comment.