Pollution warnings at dozens of beaches after sewage released into sea

Pollution warnings have been put in place for almost 50 beaches in England and Wales, after untreated sewage was released into the sea in a number of places.

Water companies say it was necessary to protect homes and businesses from flooding after the heavy rain, and have insisted the release is almost all rainwater and shouldn’t be described as raw sewage.

But the warnings affect a number of beaches popular with swimmers and holidaymakers.