Dead fish spotted in a brook that runs through Sileby

DEAD fish have been spotted in a brook that runs through the centre of Sileby.

A strange odour and water more brown than usual have also been reported.

An Environment Agency spokesman confirmed it was investigating the body of water and warned people to stay away.

Vicky Raynes has lived in the village for three-and-a-half years and said she has never seen as many dead fish in the brook.

“It smells of farm run-off rather then sewage,” she said.

“It’s definitely got a muck-spreading smell – it’s very brown with a frothy top.”

She said she saw 12 dead fish in a 2m stretch as she made her way along the banks.

Barbara Gray said: “I saw about 20 dead fish in the bit by the railway line.

“I’ve never seen dead fish in there before during the summer months.

“You often see children with fishing nets playing in the brook trying to catch the tiddlers but I have never seen the fish this big. It’s very upsetting; someone has put something in the water that is killing the fish.

“I came home and rang the Environment Agency. They said they would get someone out and I’ve just read that there are two men with probes in the park so I’m hoping they will get to where it’s coming from.”

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “Our fisheries team has responded to a fish kill incident in Sileby and our environment management teams have started an investigation into an alleged slurry pollution that may be linked to this.

“We are asking members of the public to keep clear of this section of the river and to keep dogs on leads in order to avoid contact with the pollution.

“Parents are also advised to ensure children do not come in to contact with the water.”