Southern Water has issued an apology after it released sewage into the sea at a Thanet beauty spot.

The firm says diverting the wastewater into Joss Bay was the "only action" available to them yesterday due to a fault at the Broadstairs Pumping Station.

The problem at the management works put nearby homes at risk of flooding - therefore evasive action, by way of sending the sewage down an emergency outfall - was required.

A clean-up operation is now underway and Southern Water says other beaches along the Thanet coastline are being checked.

Precautionary advice is being issued at Joss Bay, Kingsgate Bay, Botany Bay, Stone Bay, and Walpole Bay.

A statement from the firm released via Twitter reads: "We’re very sorry to report that due to a fault at the Broadstairs Pumping Station yesterday morning, wastewater was released via the emergency outfall into the area around Joss Bay.

"This was the only action available to us to prevent internal flooding to local properties.

"A full investigation is taking place to check beaches nearby, and a beach walk and clean up is underway.

"No pollution is acceptable to us or customers, and we're working with the Environment Agency and local authority to assess the negative impact on the environment.

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