PEOPLE have been warned to keep away from a stream in east Durham after it was found to be extensively polluted.

Environmental health staff at Easington District Council have warned those living in the Seaham area to stay away from Seaton Burn while urgent clean up work is carried out.

A spokeswoman at the authority revealed yesterday how a blockage at a nearby sewer had caused raw sewage to overflow into the stream, which runs from Seaham Grange industrial estate, along Lord Byron's Walk at the north of Seaham before heading towards the sea.

The spokeswoman added: "The germs in sewage can cause illness if ingested and therefore, as a precaution, members of the public should stay away and particularly not allow their dogs into the stream until it is cleaned up.''

The area has been cordoned off and warning signs have been displayed along the length of the burn.

Environment officers also confirmed that they are carrying out investigations into how the blockage was caused.