A WARNING has been issued after high levels of a toxin were found during routine monitoring at a loch.

The environmental health team at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar issued the warning after raised levels of naturally occurring shellfish biotoxins were found at Loch Carloway in the Isle of Lewis.

People have been warned not to eat bivalve shellfish – meaning shellfish which have a two-part hinged shell – from the area until further notice as doing so could pose a health risk.

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This includes cockles, mussels, oysters and razor fish.

Cooking these shellfish does not remove risks from consuming these biotoxins, the local authority warned.

Commercial shellfish harvesters in the area have been contacted, and steps have been taken to postpone harvesting until toxin levels subside.