Investigation underway after pollution turns River Irwell 'foamy'

An investigation is underway to find out why a 2km section of the River Irwell appears foamy. Photographs taken from Burrs Country Park in Bury show the affected stretch of water and one local said they had 'never seen it as bad'.

Residents took to social media to try and figure out the mystery of how the river ended up looking like that and it is now the subject of an Environment Agency investigation. Posting in the Friends of Burrs Country Park Facebook group, Julia Michelle said: "What’s gone on or rather in there. Major concerns for the wildlife."

Lynn Watson commented: "I've never seen it as bad as this before". While Jayne Astin wrote: "Oh dear! Poor wildlife and fish."

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The Environment Agency confirmed that the river is polluted but admitted that the cause is currently unknown. A spokesman said: "Our investigations have identified pollution along a 2km stretch of the River Irwell.

"Specialist teams are working with partners to identify the source of the pollution. To report environmental incidents please call the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60."

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