UNITED Utilities was fined £14,000 following a “devastating” wildlife disaster which left thousands of dead fish lining a stretch of angling waters.

Pike, tench, bream, perch and roach were among species wiped out at the Three Pools Waterway, in Crossens, near Southport, in July last year.

Equipment failure at Crossens pumping station caused storage tanks to overflow, sending raw sewage and storm water surging into the popular fishing haven.

United Utilities pleaded guilty to breaching strict water pollution laws at North Sefton magistrates’ court on Monday.

The Environment Agency estimated at least 6,000 fish died in the incident, adding the true figure was likely to be higher.

Jane Morgan, prosecuting, said: “This incident was a ‘Category One’ incident, the most serious category, because of the impact on the river and fish stocks.

“The agency received a number of reports from members of the public concerned at the amount of dead fish.”

Ian Ponter, defending, said the firm spent £40,000 to restock the depleted waterway with 10,000 fish.

United Utilities was issued with a £14,000 fine, rising to £21,878 with costs.