PEOPLE are being warned to stay out of the water at one of East Lothian's most popular beaches after an investigation into raw sewage was launched.

Environment agency SEPA advised East Lothian Council it was looking into problems with water quality at Longniddry Bents.

Scottish Water today confirmed it was also investigating the issue with dye being used to try and trace the source.

A Scottish Water spokesman said: "Scottish Water takes issues like this very seriously and we are undertaking a thorough investigation with our team having already carried out CCTV surveys of the sewer systems in the area.

"Dye testing of the network, including private drainage, is also underway to try and pinpoint any potential source of pollution.

"We will continue to work closely with the local authority and SEPA during this ongoing investigation."

The council put up signs advising people to stay out of the Forth at all three car parks at Longniddry Bents yesterday.

The Courier understands there have been complaints to SEPA from local residents in the village about raw sewage pouring into a local burn and down to the beach.

Inspectors discovered a pool of the sewage on the beach when they were called to investigate over the summer.

They also found raw sewage lying in a field to the south of the village.

A spokesperson for SEPA confirmed they were investigating the sewage.

He said: "SEPA are aware of recent reports of a long-standing problem with sewage pollution affecting the burn adjacent to Links Road, Longniddry, especially following periods of heavy rain.

"We are currently carrying out an investigation into the potential sources of this pollution.

"We would advise the public to contact our Pollution Hotline on 0800 807060 when they see pollution in the burn.”

A council spoksperson said: "We are advising people to stay out of the water while SEPA investigates concerns about water quality at Longniddry."