Two Spanish beaches closed after a mysterious itchy rash affects 40 bathers.

Local authorities have confirmed:‘About 40 bathers are affected by itching, forcing the closure of the beaches of the Virgen del Mar and San Juan de la Canal in Santa Cruz de Bezana’, both in Cantabria, northern Spain.

Swimmers have complained of sore skin and severe itching. Treatment has been offered by the beach Red Cross workers and it seems the painful welts ease after a short time.

The Autonomous Government have confirmed that “technicians will analyse the different samples collected to determine the cause of the situation,” and have closed the beaches as a precautionary measure.

Local residents are furious claiming that the treatment pipe in nearby Santander is pumping sewage out into Bay of Biscay. They allege similar situations have occurred before but nothing has been done to solve it.