Pollution kills hundreds of fish

A member of the public reported seeing a white substance

Hundreds of fish have died after a river was polluted with a mystery thick white substance.

The Environment Agency Wales received reports that the River Sirhowy in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent was polluted.

It is estimated hundreds of brown trout, minnows, bullheads and stone loach are among those killed in the Georgetown area of the town.

A clean-up operation is underway and tests have been carried out to identify the source of the pollution.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency Wales said its officers were investigating the incident.

The spokesman said that calls were received from a member of the public on Tuesday evening and officers were called to the scene.

Water samples were taken and sent for laboratory analysis and it is thought the source of the pollution has been identified.

"We are now looking at what further action may be necessary," said the spokesman.

People are being urged not to touch or take away any dead fish seen in the area.