Boffins have found a scientific explanation for why this body of water located on the shores of the Dead Sea turned blood red where God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and sulphur to punish them for their ‘wickedness’.

After tests on water samples from the lake, it was found that it contained high quantities of manganese, which is a type of metal that is normally grey coloured but often found in minerals along with iron and can turn water red.

The images went viral because of the link with the legendary cities destroyed by God but it also sparked fears of pollution among less God-fearing individuals, with some accusing the government of dumping chemical waste into the body of water.

However, the authorities have now dismissed both theories saying it is actually caused by manganese.

The phenomenon was filmed at a lake so near the Dead Sea in eastern Jordan that the Dead Sea could even be seen in the background, stretching away into the distance.

When the blood red water was discovered a few weeks ago, the authorities took samples in response and planned to analyse them in laboratories.

The Secretary-General of the Jordan Valley authority, Manar Mahasneh, confirmed that the body of water contains high quantities of manganese and that it is harmless, but she also added that further tests are underway.

The eastern shores of the Dead Sea, upon which this pool of water can be found, are where the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are said to have been built before God destroyed them for their “wickedness” by raining down fire and sulphur on them.

According to the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, the Alexander River also turned red and it was from from blood last year, but this was due to blood being poured into the water from abattoir workers on the West Blank.