SEWAGE has been released into the sea in three places across the county following heavy rainfall.

Seaford, Saltdean and Littlehampton have all had sewage releases in the last 24 hours which “may be affecting water quality” at bathing sites.

It comes after a string of similar incidents at beaches in the last three weeks.

Sussex was hit with thunder and lightning last night between midnight and 2am.

The Argus: A release from an outfall pipe near Peacehaven appears to be affecting water quality at Seaford, picturedA release from an outfall pipe near Peacehaven appears to be affecting water quality at Seaford, pictured

There were six releases on Thursday, August 25, between Littlehampton, Shoreham and all the way to Hastings.

On August 16, Sussex was hit by 13 sewage releases due to heavy rainfall after extremely dry weather.

Southern Water previously said that dry ground cannot absorb surface run-off water, meaning that more rain than usual “overwhelmed” its network.

As a result, it had to release excess water into the sea to prevent overflows affecting homes, schools, businesses and hospitals from flooding.

The Argus: Southern Water's Beachbuoy map this morningSouthern Water's Beachbuoy map this morning

One video of a swirling brown mass from an outfall pipe at Splash Point in Seaford went viral.

The video, by Seaford resident Martyn Craddock, amassed more than one million views and 10,000 shares online, prompting outrage.

Southern Water has been approached for comment.

James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Lewes, said: "We need urgent action to stop these releases.

"The government announced a plan that will give companies 30 years to improve all storm overflows into bathing sites.

"There is no onus on water companies. We need to take serious action."