A warning has been issued after a toxic bacteria was discovered in the Norfolk Broads. 

It comes after Broads Authority rangers reported a large area of blue-green algae spreading across Barton Broad on Tuesday morning. 

The authority said: "Please refrain from entering the broad and take extra care if sailing or paddling to avoid splashing water on yourself.

"Coming into contact with or ingesting it can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms."

According to the NHS, symptoms can include skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and pains in muscles and joints.

READ MORE: Dog owners warned of toxic and 'possibly fatal' algae in water

Blue-green algae often resembles foam at the edge of lakes or ponds, where the water does not flow and rainfall is less frequent, allowing the bacteria to build up.

Dog owners are also advised to keep their pets away from bodies of water known to contain the algae. 

A picture of blue-green algaeA picture of blue-green algae (Image: The Broads Authority) Rosie Smith, from The Veterinary Surgery in Hempnall, said: "Blue-green algae poisoning is often serious and usually fatal with death occurring between one and 12 hours of ingestion.

"We would always advise owners who think their pet has been exposed to blue-green algae to take it to their vet immediately."