VISITORS to Swanage Beach have been warned to keep out of the sea following a diesel spillage.

The Environment Agency issued the warning earlier today after receiving reports of an oil spill towards the north end of the beach.

Swanage Coastguard officers initially investigated after a number of people reported the smell of oil around the small stream at Shep’s Hollow.

According to the Environment Agency, who dispatched officers to the scene, the source of the pollution has been traced to a leaking fuel tank on the outskirts of town.

An Environment Agency spokesman warned: “The public have been advised to avoid this area, not to swim in the sea, and to keep dogs on a lead. The situation will be monitored over the weekend.”

Coastguard officers have also warned dog owners not to let their pets drink from the Shep’s Hollow stream, and to avoid the sea between groynes 17 and 18 as a precaution.

The Environment Agency spokesman confirmed: “We are discussing remedial action with the landowner, and we have installed absorbent booms to contain as much of the spill as possible in the receiving watercourse.

“It is unlikely that all of the spilled diesel will be recovered, so the effect may be noticed on Swanage beach over the next few days.

“Oil on the beach will evaporate in time and will not cause permanent damage.”