An outdoor swimming pool used by thousands every summer has been forced to suddenly close.

The Strand Lido in Gillingham features a paddling area, lazy river and sunbathing areas and only opened for the season at the weekend.

However, the popular attraction has shut this evening with no reopening date yet to be revealed.

A statement from Medway Council, which runs the pool, read: “We are very sorry but we have had to close the Strand Lido pool unexpectedly due to a significant water leak.

“[It] is affecting the pool levels.

“We are working hard to fix the problem. If you have a session booked we will give a refund.

“Apologies for the inconvenience.”

It has since confirmed it is unsure as to when the pool will be back open as it continues to investigate the source of the leak.

The seasonal pool opened for the first time this year on Saturday (May 25), having closed throughout the winter and most of spring.

It was set to be open at weekends during the summer months.

The hotspot would then be available seven days a week during the school summer holidays.

There will be sessions from 10.30am to 1.30pm and from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

The Strand Lido first opened more than 125 years ago in June 1896.

It remains the UK's only saltwater, riverside outdoor pool.