The warning has been issued for people and pets not to enter the water at Oxford’s University Parks after a bright green algae bloom appeared on its surface.

One local, Angela Mills Wade, said the algae was ‘almost fluorescent’ and recommended pet owners ‘heed the warnings’.

One local described the colour of the algae on the water as ‘almost fluorescent’ (Image: Angela Mills Wade)

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She said: “Many people see this and think it’s ugly. I see something rather different.

“It’s a natural seasonal phenomenon, part of the river’s changing cycle, even if it only lasts for a short time.

“We often celebrate nature when it’s neat and picturesque, but it’s just as fascinating when it’s messy, fleeting and simply doing what ecosystems have always done.”

She shared images from University Parks in South Parks Road, whose waterways had a blanket of bright green algae making its surfaces appear solid.

Algae bloom in University Parks (Image: Angela Mills Wade)

A notice displayed in the park by the University of Oxford’s parks department said: “Please be aware that there is currently an algal bloom in the river caused by the recent dry weather conditions.

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“This may be harmful to humans and pets so it is advisable NOT to enter the water or allow your dogs to do so until further notice.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Harmful algae blooms can occur when there is an excess of nutrients in the water – caused by a number of sources, such as agricultural run-off or sewage pollution – along with warm water temperatures and calm or stagnant conditions.

Former police constable Robbie Wilson, who quit during the investigation into his behaviour, also massaged her shoulder, then touched her breast under her clothing.

He asked her to perform oral sex and, after she refused, placed her hand on his erect penis in a police car, it was said at the hearing that took place late last month.

During that night shift in July 2024, the pair had a conversation about her tattoo and she showed the former officer a picture of it.

During the hearing, the woman, referred to as PC A, latterly confirmed she also sent a picture of herself in lingerie.

She stated the former officer then asked her if she had any naked photos, which made her “feel uncomfortable” and she said “no”.

It was at that point that Mr Wilson moved his hand ‘unexpectedly’ under her clothing and caressed her left breast, the panel heard.

He is then alleged to have told the anonymous cop that “he had a hard on for her” before leaning in for a kiss.

She turned her head away and said she was not going to kiss him.

The misconduct hearing then heard PC A describe how Mr Wilson made a sexual request to her.

PC A felt uncomfortable by this, but said no and “laughed it off”.

“She stated he then told her to shut her eyes, and he placed her hand on his erect penis, stating that he had a ‘hard on’ and was asking her to touch it,” the panel heard.

“PC A stated she felt what was happening was wrong, she was shocked and pulled his hand away and placed it on the steering wheel.”

On a separate incident during Covid patrols in 2021, while crewed with ‘PC B’, Mr Wilson asked “how would you feel if I touched your leg” and moved his hand up and down his own thigh.

Later, he pulled into a rural layby and told her it was her “last chance to get in the back seat”, which the panel agreed could only sensibly be understood as an invitation to sexual activity in the back of the police car.

Mr Wilson maintained that his behaviour was always consensual between him and the respective parties.

He had applied unsuccessfully for the hearing to be held in private or with anonymity. He also failed to attend the misconduct hearing.

Robbie Wilson, who joined Thames Valley Police in May 2020, would have been sacked over gross misconduct had he not resigned, the panel concluded.

Thames Valley Police has also initiated the process of adding him to the College of Policing barred list.

After the hearing, deputy chief constable Ben Snuggs said: “The public rightly expects the highest standards from Thames Valley Police, and we have zero tolerance for misogynistic or sexist behaviour.

“We are committed to identifying and removing those who fall short of these standards, as shown by the action taken through our misconduct processes.

“We also provide training to all officers and staff so they understand the standards and behaviours expected of them, and encourage people to speak up if they witness inappropriate conduct.

“While the overwhelming majority of our officers and staff conduct themselves professionally and respectfully, there is no place for behaviour that undermines the trust and confidence of the communities we serve.”