People have been warned not to enter a stream, or let their pets go in, following a diesel leak from a water company's treatment works.

Southern Water have claimed responsibility for the spillage at Swalecliffe Brook - located between Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Residents reported the 300-metre diesel slick to the Environment Agency yesterday, which is now investigating.

The leak can be seen floating on the water which had reached as far as the beach.

Southern Water is carrying out a full clean-up operation in the area.

A spokesperson for Southern Water said: "Our investigations into the diesel leak from our wastewater treatment works at Swalecliffe, Kent and into the local brook are ongoing.

"We're continuing to work closely with the Environment Agency and have brought in specialist teams to help us carry out a full clean-up operation.

"We apologise for the inconvenience this causes and thank everyone for their patience as we carry out these emergency works."

The Environment Agency, which is now investigating the leak, said: “We responded yesterday morning to reports of diesel in the Swalecliffe Brook. We attended the site and our Environment Officer confirmed a 300-metre oil slick in the brook which had reached as far as the beach.

“We dispatched our Environmental Incident Vehicle and 5 officers to deploy pollution prevention measures which included booms, bungs and oil absorbent pads.

“Subsequently we’ve identified the source of the pollution and stopped any further diesel entering the Swalecliffe Brook.”

Canterbury City Council put signs up to advise people not to enter the water or to let their pets go in either.

A spokesperson for Canterbury City Council said: “We were informed about the incident by members of the public yesterday and immediately reported it to the Environment Agency (EA).

“Our role is to support the EA where necessary, and as part of that we have put information signs up to temporarily advise people not to enter the water or to let their pets go in either.”

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable