In a statement the council confirms that the results of new tests have found that the water quality at the beach is back to desired levels.

“The red flag has been removed and the blue flag has been raised,” said a spokesman for the council, adding “this is a testament to the excellent quality of Faro Beach, as a summer zone that rigorously meets the most demanding environmental criteria and a destination of complete trust for the thousands of families who choose it as a destination to spend their holidays”.

The council added that the competent authorities (Portuguese Environment Agency and Regional Delegate of Public Health) are investigating the source of the contamination that led to the closing of the beach for bathing on 13 August.

“The hypothesis of an environmental crime is gaining strength,” said the spokesman who added that it could have been caused by a vessel.