A WATER firm has been found not guilty of two counts of pollution that closed lead to the closure of ten miles of beach.

Southern Water was cleared yesterday of allegations that it was responsible for polluting the sea off Worthing in 2012.

Raw sewage was pumped into the sea in September 2012, affecting beaches from Southwick to Ferring and Worthing.

The company was cleared of the charges relating to the proper maintenance of equipment on the direction of a judge at Chichester Crown Court.

The company said told the court that blocked pumps at its East Worthing wastewater treatment works were to blame for the incident.

They denied three charges of breaching environmental regulations. The third charge will be heard at the court on Monday.

The firm refused to comment on the case until its conclusion.