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."

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