ENGINEERS from the Environment Agency have identified the source of pollution which led to Dawlish beach failing water quality tests.

Dye testing has been carried out to trace where the pollution came from after a series of routine quality tests on the water at Dawlish beach failed to meet the mandatory guidelines for bathing.

Investigations taking samples at various points along the beach narrowed down one specific hotspot area between the two breakwaters.

Environment Agency scientists have now revealed that their dye tests identified the pollution was coming from an outfall pipe coming from water treatment works, causing sewage to leak into the water.

The dye was used to follow the flow from the treatment works and highlight where there could be a leak.

An agency spokesman said: 'It was established that the leak had come from a broken hatch which was used by South West Water for maintenance.

'This has now been repaired and we have done further dye testing and we think the problem has now eased as the dye has not shown up on the beach.'

Investigations will continue however to ensure the problem does not recur.

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr John Petherick was delighted that the source had been detected.

He said: 'Hopefully the issue has now been resolved.'

Tests carried out by the Environment Agency highlighted there was a dip in the water quality in June.

Teignbridge Council advised swimmers not to bathe in the area where the pollution had been detected.

Further tests led to the water being given the all clear, but bathers were still advised not to swim in the particular area where there had been shown to be a problem.