The Environment Agency (EA) has warned of “ongoing and significant pollution” of a stretch of the River Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire.
The pollution emanates from Huntingdon Riverside Park, says the Environment Agency, and as a result it has been forced to close locks “to contain, control and clean up this pollution spill incident”.
Members of the Spotted on the Great Ouse Facebook page have posted photos of some of the pollution – and of birds that are covered in oil.
The EA said: “Please do not enter this section of river at present and if you are already within this zone of river please moor up at the nearest available moorings until further advice is issued.
“At present we do not advise navigating within this zone and through any areas of pollution.
“We are also advising people to keep off and out of the river and not to allow their pets into the water at the current time.
“Teams are mobilised and working with partners in relation to this incident and we will issue a further update when more information becomes available.”
Dominic Ranner, who took these photos said: “Please do mention how quickly and efficiently the Environment Agency incident team acted when I called them.
“They arrived at Hartford Marina (where I live) really quickly and organised the RSPCA to come and collect the oil covered birds and get them cleaned.
“I was really impressed at the professionalism of the EA.”
One poster to the Facebook group said the pollution between Huntingdon and Houghton had him “literally in tears”.
Another wrote: “Thankfully the birds may be helped but the poor fish which are also the food for many of the birds are being suffocated not to mention the environmental impact. I’m so angry but grateful for any help anyone can offer.
“Sadly we are in Newcastle and not down until next weekend. I thank every one of you who are able to help out”.
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