Multiple bathing sites in Sussex have been affected by sewage discharges as the coast continues to be battered by Storm Ciaran.

Storm overflow releases have been ongoing across the county in the past 24 hours as the county continue to battle the damage caused by flooding and high winds.

In total, 16 releases have been made at bathing sites across the county in the last 24 hours.

Southern Water said that the overflows were “to protect homes, schools and businesses from flooding” and were “heavily diluted”.

According to overflow monitoring system Beachbuoy storm overflows have been taking place across Sussex including in Worthing, Littlehampton and Hove.

The system added that ongoing releases, like those in Bexhill, “may have affected water quality”.

As of 3pm today there were 16 releases at bathing sites in the last 24 hours.

More releases from outfalls and at other bathing sites had also taken place within the last three days.

The overflows come as Sussex continues to be battered by Storm Ciaran with many areas flooded.

Overflows at bathing sites in Sussex in the last 24 hours included:

• Pagham

• Bognor – Aldwick

• Bognor East

• Felpham

• Middleton

• Littlehampton

• Worthing

• Lancing Beach

• Shoreham

• Southwick

• Hove

• Saltdean

• Seaford

• Pevensey

• Bexhill

• St Leonards

Southern Water has previously come under fire for storm overflows releasing sewage into the sea.

A Southern Water spokesman said: “Rain can overwhelm the combined sewer and drainage system which exists in many parts of our region.

“To protect homes, schools and businesses from flooding has led to some overflows – releasing excess water into the sea. These discharges are heavily diluted, typically being as much as 95 per cent rainwater.

“We are dedicated to significantly reducing storm overflows and are running innovative pilot schemes across the region to reduce the amount of rainfall entering our combined sewers by 2030.”