THOUSANDS of fish have died after a detergent-based pollutant seeped into a Preston canal.

Three miles of the River Darwen, stretching between Samlesbury Bottoms and Walton-le-Dale, has been contaminated by the detergent which seeped into the river at Roach Bridge.

As many as 3,000 fish - including chub, roach, gudgeon and eels - could have been affected by the spillage, which happened towards the end of last week.

Officials from the Environment Agency, who are responsible for canals, believe sewage may have seeped into the water over a period of days.

A spokesman said: "The problem is that the sewage allows bacteria to reproduce more rapidly which takes up more of the oxygen.

"Normally oxygen levels should be around 70 to 80 per cent but as a result of the pollutant that level was severely reduced."

The spokesman conceded it was highly unlikely that the source of the spillage or who was responsible would be found.

He added: "We now have to compile a study of the area to see how the ecology will be affected.

"We may have to restock the river in the future."

A similar incident on the River Darwen was reported last week in the Ewood area of Blackburn.

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