Visitors have been warned to stay clear of a contaminated burn at a Fife beauty spot amid pollution fears.
A dog walker alerted the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on Monday after discovering a white cloudy discharge in the burn at Balbernie Park in Markinch.
One eyewitness said the pollution was seen coming from a small connecting stream.
The contamination had a faint bleach type odour to it and had affected a large stretch of the burn.
SEPA officers visited the site then passed the incident on to Scottish Water to investigate.
A SEPA spokesman said it was reported on Monday at the Burn at Tofthill close to Markinch.
The spokesman added: “SEPA Officers responded to the reports of cloudy and discoloured water reported by members of the public.
“SEPA alerted Scottish Water to these reports and Scottish Water will now be investigating this issue further and liaising directly with SEPA.
“SEPA will continue to work with our partners to ensure that incidences such as these are identified and resolved.”
A Scottish Water spokesperson added: ‘We were contacted late on Monday evening about a concern relating to discoloured water in the Kennoway Burn in Balbirnie Park, Markinch.
“We investigated at the location on Tuesday morning. At this time the water in the burn was clear and there was no evidence of any issue.
“As a precaution we have carried out some further investigations into the local network and not found any problems.”
Angela High, Markinch Community Council chairwoman, urged anyone exercising or walking their dogs near the burn to stay away from the water in the coming days.
She said the waterway was also polluted with sewage in January.
“The area is used extensively by people taking exercise and walking their pets during the current coronavirus restrictions and is also a popular spot where children play,” she said.
“I’d advise that nobody go near the contaminated water at this time because of a continuing health risk and urge dog owners not to allow their pets into the water for the time being.”