Hundreds of fish killed in lakes

The hot weather could have contributed to the deaths

Hundreds of dead fish have been spotted in lakes in two Birmingham parks.

Witnesses reported seeing the fish in lakes in Brookvale Park and nearby Witton Lakes, in Witton.

Andrew Sarkey, 16, who lives close by, said the lakes were popular with visitors and said he feared there may be a problem with sewage.

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said it was likely the fish suffocated due to low oxygen levels which were related to Friday's storms.

She said the heavy storms across the West Midlands had led to pollution, caused by water runoff, entering the Rivers Tame and Trent.

She added neither of the lakes in Brookvale Park and Witton Lakes were enclosed.

"The River Tame runs through them," she said.

"We can see evidence that a lot of water flowed through the lakes during the storm and it is possible they were affected by the pollution incident."

She added the pollution was not sewage.

The fish deaths could also have been caused by the hot weather and low water levels which can make fish distressed and lead to death, she said.