Environmental group claims to find "alarmingly high" level of E.coli in River Thames

An environmental group claims it's found an "alarmingly high" level of E.coli along a stretch of the River Thames where the Henley Royal Regatta will be held next week.

River Action says almost half the 27 tests during May and June failed to meet bathing standards, making it unsafe for swimming.

Thames Water says its testing only saw spikes in bacteria levels after heavy rainfall.

Tests were carried out by Henley and Marlow River Action Group.

James Wallace from the group said: "They're testing four or five kilometres down stream of the sewage treatment works. We're testing close to them. And during the course itself at Henley Regatta. So it's no surprise at all, that ours are less dilute than theirs."

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