Bank Holiday told NOT to go in polluted water at beach

Sunseekers visiting a popular beach on Bank Holiday Monday were confronted with tannoys telling them not to go into the sea due to pollution.

Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside would usually be packed with families enjoying the weather while cooling off in the North Sea.

But this morning, messages warned anyone against having a dip over fears they could be risking their health.

Red flags have also been set up around the beach to deter bathers - although several dozens ignored the warnings and headed into the water regardless.

Since 2018, water quality at Cullercoats Bay has been given the lowest possible rating by the Environment Agency (EA).