Thousands of people in Kent have been urged to boil their tap water after supplies were contaminated with E. coli.

Tests found 443 postcodes in the county and neighbouring Surrey could be affected by the potentially deadly bacteria, officials say.

People in the the TN8 of Edenbridge near Sevenoaks and TN16 of Tunbridge Wells are being advised to boil their water before drinking it after the problem was uncovered.

SES Water issued a list of the 443 affected postcodes.

The company apologised to all customers affected and said it had teams currently investigating the issue while they carry out further tests to "confirm the scale of any contamination".

The NHS said the E. coli bacteria is not harmful as long as it stays in the gut, but can cause problems if it finds vulnerable areas of the body, such as open wounds, potentially causing infections.

Officials said the boiled water should cool down before drinking, preparing food or brushing your teeth. The same process should be applied for water given for pets.

They added that boiled water should be kept in the fridge, covered and used within 24 hours.

People considered at most risk if they happen to become infected with E.coli include the elderly, people suffering with dehydration, prostate problems, gall bladder or kidney stones, open wounds or ulcers, or with long term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis or diabetes, and those with urinary catheterisation.

UPDATE: SES Water have said tests over the past few hours have shown no indication of the bacteria

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