Update 10.23am: A spokesperson for South West Water said: "South West Water's bathing water information service, BeachLive, provides free alerts for beaches in Devon and Cornwall when stormwater overflows may temporarily affect bathing water quality.

"A precautionary notice was raised on Monday at Exmouth beach and has now been removed as there were no further discharges."

Bathers have been warned to stay out of the sea at Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton after sewage was discharged yesterday (Tuesday 16 August).

Sewage is often discharged into the sea after heavy rain from 'storm overflows', pressure-relief valves, to prevent sewers flooding on land.

There are several such storm overflows in the local area, including near Maer Rocks off Exmouth beach.

A spokesperson for East Devon District Council said: "Bathing is currently closed at Exmouth and Budleigh.

"This is due to pollution caused by the recent heavy rain. We hope that it will be open again tomorrow."

A pollution alert for Exmouth from charity Surfers Against Sewage reads: "Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours."

At Budleigh Salterton, the charity has advised against bathing due to "the likelihood of reduced water quality".

South West Water has been contacted for comment.

Click here to view Surfers Against Sewage's interactive map.