Power station bosses have warned beach users to stay away from a water outfall because they could be swept out to sea.

The concrete pipe is used to discharge cooling water from the new £200 million Shoreham power station.

Hundreds of gallons of water are pumped into the sea off Southwick Beach when the outfall is in use, forming a dangerous undertow which could catch out the unwary.

Police were called a number of times last year to warn beach users of the dangers of swimming or playing near the outfall.

There were also a number of reports of quadbikers racing up and down the length of the pipe itself.

Safety signs have now been put up warning that the outfall could start to discharge at any time.

People are being asked not to walk, swim, surf or play in the immediate area and that there is also a risk from underwater obstructions at high tide.

South Coast Power general manager Mary Wilcox said: "We would ask people to co-operate in staying away from the outfall.

"We know the beach will be busy during the next few months. Parents, in particular, should heed the signs and keep children well away."

The outfall used to serve the old Brighton B power station and is being upgraded.

Work to renovate the concrete apron and replace sheet piles will be carried out at low tide.

A date for the work to start still has to be set.