Poolside staff are appealing for swimmers to stick to health and safety procedures after a third incident of faeces floating at Hinksey Pool in Oxford.

A child who was unwell defecated in the pool on Tuesday, forcing the popular leisure area to shut while the water was filtered.

Hinksey has already had to shut twice this summer for the same reason, disappointing dozens of children and work weary adults who flock to cool down in the outdoor pool every day.

In the latest incident, the pool was evacuated and shut down for the rest of the day to allow the filter system to clear out the contaminated water.

Pool manager Lucy Cherry, said: "Someone obviously had a stomach bug. But we're back to normal now. Customers were very understanding that we had to close.

"I don't think it's deterred anyone, it is just as busy now we're open again."

Miss Cherry has issued a plea for customers to look after children using the pool.

She said: "We have notices up in the reception advising people about precautions. We provide special swimming nappies at cost price but people don't use them.

"Customers need to talk to us if there are special needs for their children. If children are not potty trained they need to wear special swimming nappies in the pool."

She added: "It's frustrating when this happens. We are trying to work with customers to keep the pool a healthy place."