Swimmers and dog walkers and their pets have been advised not to enter the water between Ham and Kingston for more than a week now.

It’s after the Environment Agency confirmed the presence of the green-blue bloom near London’s first designated bathing site.

The Port of London Authority has now identified a separate bloom at Richmond Lock.

Blue-green algae can appear as green or blue paint on the surface of the water or along the riverbank.

We’re told a lack of rainfall, combined with warmer temperatures and slower-flowing water, are contributing to the growth of blue-green algae in the river.

Given the current weather forecast, the blooms may persist for several weeks.