A BEACH is closed as raw sewage is being pumped into the sea.

Southern Water said a large sewer pipe carrying upward of 540 litres per second burst at Bulverhythe Beach in Hastings yesterday.

Yesterday afternoon tankers were able to maintain flows and wastewater services while the pipe was turned off for the repairs.

However, this morning network storage capacity in the area was reached and the water company took the "tough decision" to turn it back on.

A spokesman for the company said: "After careful consideration it was determined this would minimise impact to the environment and beach.

"We’re working closely with the Environment Agency & Hastings Borough Council.

"Our decision was taken to prevent properties from flooding and mitigate against risk of further spills elsewhere.

"No pollution is acceptable to our customers or us and we apologise for the disruption this will cause."