Residents have been advised not to swim in the sea as Storm Claudio continues to batter the South coast.

Brighton and Hove City Council has warned swimmers not to take the plunge due to the risk of drowning and injury caused by the high winds.

The council also cited extremely powerful waves as a reason to stay away from the water, adding that emergency services could be put at risk in the event of a rescue attempt being mounted.

In a statement, a spokesman for the council said: “We would advise against going into the water when there are high winds and storm conditions. When strong onshore winds are in force it may be difficult to enter and leave the water.

“Brighton & Hove has a severe shore-dump which is the first wave hitting the beach. This wave is extremely powerful and demands respect from swimmers even on calmer days. Today is not the day for a swim or paddle!

“Large crashing waves also place emergency services’ lives at risk and make it impossible to reach those in need.”

The Brighton coast has been hit by severe weather which has caused chaos across the region, including causing further damage to the city’s West Pier.