Investigation launched after 'more than 100 fish found dead' in polluted river

An investigation has been launched after dozens of fish were reportedly found dead following a pollution incident at a river. White foam has been pictured on the surface of the River Bollin between Macclesfield and Prestbury.

The Environment Agency is investigating the cause of the pollution.

Local resident Clive Murray told i he counted the number of dead fish he could see on a 3km walk from Macclesfield to Prestbury and 'stopped counting at 100'. He added: "I'm not talking about tiny fish. I’m talking about fish between six inches and ten inches long. They're quite big."

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Mark Boardman tweeted a video of the polluted river, writing: "A bit grim in the River Bollin at Macclesfield this morning. Whatever toxic waste has been dumped in there has killed all the fish."

The Environment Agency said: "An investigation into the pollution & fish kill on the Bollin continues. Help us by reporting further issues to our 24hr hotline 0800807060 & as always remain mindful to the misuse of drains – what goes down there can hugely affect water quality, sadly causing problems like this."

Replying to a member of the public on Twitter, United Utilities said: "We have investigated reports of pollution in the River Bollin near Macclesfield and established that it is not related to any of our assets or treatment works in the area. Our findings have been passed to the Environment Agency."

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