Swimmers complain of rashes as sea water turns orange at beaches around Cornwall

Authorities are investigating the cause behind sea water off Cornish beaches turning orange.

The waters around beaches including Porthpean, Duporth and Charlestown have been pictured having a rusty, orange tinge.

One swimmer has reported several people developed rashes after coming into contact with the contaminated water.

Posting on a community Facebook page, he said: "Caution do not go to Porthpean for the time being as there is a contaminant within the water."

He added: “Some of us have have been for a swim and coming out in a rash”

The Environment Agency and South West Water both confirmed they are investigating the issue after multiple people shared reports of the discolouration on social media.

Pollution activists Surfers Against Sewage have issued a pollution warning for Portmellon Beach due to low water quality, but it is not yet known if it is related to the orange discolouration on other beaches.