POLLUTION levels are set to rise in the coming days, reaching a peak on Friday, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Current forecasts show air pollution levels have been rising over the past few days and are set to reach high or very high levels on Friday.

A Defra spokesman said a mix of factors were contributing to the higher levels of pollution.

“The high pressure moves away to the east for Thursday with the south easterly flow leading to pollution levels becoming moderate in many parts of England and Wales, as well as parts of northern and western Scotland and the east of Northern Ireland,” a Defra spokesman said.

“This is due to locally-generated particulate matter combining with pollution blown in from the near continent – and a contribution from Saharan dust.”

However, he said the pollution was expected to clear by Saturday morning, allowing people to enjoy clear air over the weekend.

Defra says that during incidents of high, or very high, air pollution adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms.

People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion.

Defra concludes: "Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors."

The warning comes after a similar incident last year which saw Government health advice issued amid warnings that pollution spreading across England would hit high levels.

The pollution – a mix of local and European emissions, and dust from the Sahara – caused a thick layer of grime to form on cars and buildings around the country.

For more information on air quality, and on the pollution heading in over the coming days, go to www.gov.uk/government/news/air-pollution-forecast-april-2015