Coltswold Water Park has blue-green algae which could be danger to people and dogs

Harmful algae has been found at a local beauty spot near Bristol.

The large site straddles the Wiltshire–Gloucestershire border, northwest of Cricklade and south of Cirencester.

The water park’s Facebook page warned of the discovery of the algae, Gloucestershire Live reports.

It said: “Following the warm dry weather, blue-green algae is now present in a number of Cotswold Water Park lakes.

“Some types of blue-green algae can be toxic to humans and animals, so please stay away from water and keep dogs on a short lead.

“Warning signs have been posted at Neigh Bridge Country Park and Cleveland Lakes but it may be present elsewhere and is not always obvious to the naked eye. Ask the individual lake operators for confirmation.”

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The park has issued similar warnings in the past about blue-green algae, which can cause damage to the nervous system if ingested.

It naturally occurs in inland waters, estuaries and the sea. Blooms can form when their numbers become excessive.

Once algae numbers are high, the bloom is likely to persist throughout the season, declining only on the onset of winter conditions.

More very hot weather is predicted on Friday and Saturday this week.