'Significant’ fuel spill pollutes water near Larne

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed reports of a “significant spill of red diesel into the sea” from an industrial premises, north of Larne Harbour.

The Agency has investigated the spill, after a call to its Water Pollution Hotline on Saturday morning.

Over the weekend, the NIEA investigated and monitored oil ‘sheening’ that spread across the water, northwards along the coast past the harbour and as far north as Southtown.

Residents reported a heavy smell of fuel in the surrounding area.

Environment agents notified the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Larne Port and the local council after being informed and are continuing to monitor the situation to assess the likely impact of the spill.

The NIEA say they have gathered samples as they gather evidence with a view to potential enforcement action.