Red flag raised at Western Beach as bacteria detected

Bathers at Western Beach were asked to stay out of the water Friday afternoon.

Routine checks by the Environmental Agency led to the detection of intestinal enterococci bacteria.

The cause of the bacteria is being investigated.

The red flag was raised as soon as the bacteria was detected, and the public is advised not to swim at Western Beach until further notice. 

All possible local sources in the area have been checked and it is suspected that the source is most likely in Spain.

Contact has been made with the Ayuntamiento in La Linea to alert them.

The Environmental Agency says all other beaches remain safe for swimming.