A Benalmadena beach has been closed to swimmers as a precaution after several bathers suffered skin reactions.

Benalmadena Town Hall ordered the red flag to be raised at Las Gaviotas beach on Sunday following concerns over possible contamination in the water.

The measure means swimming is prohibited while officials investigate what caused the reactions.

The incident has been reported to the 112 emergency service and tests are being carried out to establish whether the water has been contaminated.

Local authorities have urged beachgoers to respect the red flag and follow instructions issued by lifeguards and security personnel.

The precautionary closure comes during one of the busiest weekends of the summer on the Costa del Sol and follows disruption at several beaches in nearby Malaga city after storms early on Saturday.

Heavy rainfall caused discharges into the sea, prompting authorities to discourage swimming at Campo de Golf-San Julian, La Misericordia, Sacaba and San Andres.

Campo de Golf-San Julián, La Misericordia and Sacaba returned to green-flag status on Sunday, but San Andrés remained under a red flag while cleaning work continued.

There is currently no confirmed link between the suspected contamination at Las Gaviotas and the storm-related problems in Malaga city.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.