Cornwall beach users warned after Tregonhawke fuel spill

People have been urged not to go into the sea at a beach in Cornwall after a fuel spill.

Falmouth Coastguard said Tregonhawke Beach, at Whitsand Bay, had been red flagged by lifeguards after the spill was reported on Saturday when surfers came out of the water covered in fuel.

Coastguard Paddy Cochran said it was thought the fuel was gasoline or petrol.

He said an investigation had started and people should not enter the water.

Mr Cochran said: "Surfers entered the water and came out covered in what we believe to be like a gasoline or petrol of some sort.

"We're investigating the extent of this pollution this morning [Sunday] now we've got light again.

"[But] Tregonhawke Beach is a place that I would exercise caution being anywhere near."

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it received the reports of a "possible oil slick" just after 10:00 BST on Saturday.

It said the source of the fuel had not been identified yet and the Tamar Coastguard Rescue Team was being sent to assess the situation.

A fixed-wing aircraft was also due to carry out a surveillance flight as part of the investigation, it added.

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