Dead crabs and lobsters prompt Defra inquiry

An investigation has been launched after new reports of dead crabs and lobsters along the North East coast.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is to “undertake additional sampling” after fishermen reported further deaths.

Tens of thousands of the crustaceans first washed up on shores from Seaton Carew down to Whitby in October.

Defra previously said it had “completed a thorough investigation” which found a natural “algal bloom” was responsible.

Chemical pollution and dredging have been repeatedly ruled out by Defra as likely causes.