Test results due on 'poisoned water' that killed thousands of fish in Peterborough

Dead fish in the River Nene Credit: ITV Anglia

The Environment Agency has linked a chemical spill of pesticides at OrtonSouthgate with the death of an estimated 4,000 fish in the River Nene at Peterborough.

he 5,000 litre chemical spill at the weekend has worked its way along the River Nene. Full results of water samples are expected later.

Tens of thousands of fish have also been struggling along the length of river from Orton Mere to Wisbech, some of which will probably die and some of which are expected to recover, says the Agency.

The 5,000 litre chemical spill at the weekend has worked its way along the River Nene. Full results of water samples are expected late tomorrow

Dead fish are mostly roach and those seen struggling include roach, spined loach, eels, perch and tench. No very large fish have so far died in the pollution.

Meanwhile, Affects from the pesticide spill in Toppesfield Brook in Essex last Wednesday are now being seen as far downstream as Halstead on the River Colne. Environment Agency teams are still battling to rescue fish and minimise damage.