Two arrested after birds die in east London park

About 80 birds of various species have been found dead

Two men have been arrested following the deaths of more than 80 birds and a dog at a park in Wanstead Flats in east London.

Investigators attended the site, which includes Alexandra Lake, last Thursday to begin tests.

The men, aged 35 and 27, were arrested in the Forest Gate area at about 0800 GMT on suspicion of breaching pesticide control regulations.

They were taken to an east London police station to be questioned.

German shepherd

The dog that died was a five-year-old male German shepherd cross, while several species of birds were killed including geese, pigeons and coots.

Analysis of samples taken from the scene which were sent to the Central Veterinary Laboratory (VLA) has not yet been completed.

It is too early to confirm the cause of death of the birds or the dog, the Metropolitan police said.

However, all of them died in the area around Alexandra Lake or after spending time in the area soon before their deaths.

The land around the lake remains cordoned off and dog walkers have been asked to keep their pets on a lead in the surrounding area for their own protection.