Raw sewage flowed into the Cuckmere River from a burst pipe

The Environment Agency said a pipe burst at midday on Wednesday at the Vines Cross sewage works, owned by Southern Water, south of Heathfield.

Sewage from storm tanks was still flowing into the River Cuckmere during the evening.

A spokeswoman for Southern Water said engineers would be working through the night to stop the pollution.

The spokeswoman said it was not known what caused the burst.

"An operator spotted it and informed the Environment Agency immediately," she said.

"The effect on the environment is limited."

She said a digger was on site and would replace the damaged pipe.