Concerns have been raised about levels of E.coli in the River Thames ahead of Henley Royal Regatta.

Campaign group River Action said its water sampling by citizen scientists near Fawley Meadows showed “alarmingly high levels” of E.coli bacteria which can cause serious infections.

Thames Water, whose own sampling showed lower levels, said the study was “alarmist”.

Regatta organisers have issued guidance to participants on “minimising the risk of illness due to proximity to polluted water.”