PEOPLE have been warned to avoid part of one of the country’s major rivers after a “pollution incident” rendered it a health risk, the Environment Agency said.
Thousands of fish have already died and more wildlife is at risk after untreated sewage and cyanide made its way into the River Trent, in Staffordshire.
The Environment Agency yesterday issued a warning for people and animals to keep out of the river between Stoke-on-Trent and Yoxall, after the pollution made it a potential health risk.
A spokeswoman said: “This is due to untreated sewage and cyanide at levels that are potentially a cause for concern, especially with regard to fish, wildlife and animals. Thousands of fish have already died.
“The warning to stay out of the river applies to everyone, including farmers, anglers, dog walkers, boaters and anyone using the river for work or pleasure.
“We have also received advice from the Food Standards Agency that people should stop extracting water temporarily, so water should not be taken out of the river for any reason.”
She said it was also important to keep all animals away from the water, including farm animals and dogs.
“We are tracking the pollution as it moves downstream,” the spokeswoman added.
It was likely to travel downstream of Yoxall today, reaching Burton on Trent area late in the afternoon, by which time it will have been diluted, so the authorities hope the risk may well have reduced.
