British Broadcasting Corporation

Page last updated at 15:15 GMT, Tuesday, 1 July 2008 16:15 UK

River fish death toll up to 4,000

The death toll of fish killed in a polluted river in Cumbria has risen to more than 4,000.

At first it was thought 100 fish died when a cloudy white substance appeared in a 1.9-mile (3km) stretch of the River Ellen in Bullgill on Sunday.

But Environment Agency investigators, who are still trying to identify the substance, said thousands have died.

Initially it was thought the pollutant was milk, but that was ruled out and tests results are being awaited.

Fisheries and ecology officers are also investigating the source of the pollution.

Trevor Marsh, of the Environment Agency, said: "We'll be continuing our investigations to identify the substance and the source."




SEE ALSO
Campaign seeks to cut salmon nets
20 Nov 07 |  South of Scotland
'Progress made' in rod fee talks
29 Sep 06 |  South of Scotland

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Statue of Liberty's crown reopens to visitors
UK troops battle to turn the tide in key Afghan areas
Ex-UK brewery produces 'Pride of Pyongyang' beer

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Explore the BBC

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific