FEARS that children in Rossendale have been playing in a river contaminated with sewage are being investigated.

Concerned residents urged local authorities to intervene after they saw children in the River Ogden near Helmshore as what looked like sewage seeped into the water upstream.

United Utilities confirmed they were investigating reports of a cracked drainage pipe from a nearby housing estate.

The incident comes less than two months after a large amount of fish were found dead in the River Ogden back in April following another spill.

Jo Bones, from Holcombe Road Helmshore, was photographing the new leak to send to the Environmental Agency when she spotted the youngsters on Wednesday.

She said: “I am furious.

“We are still waiting to see what happened with regards to the spill in April where all our trout were killed.

“I have spoken with the Environment Agency and they said they would get back to me, but there is still no sign of any fish life and nothing has been said.

“It is still ongoing and our kids are swimming in possibly contaminated water and nobody is reassuring me that this will be sorted out.”

A warning was issued to residents in April during the initial spill after fears that a corrosive, bleaching agent which was leaked into the river, could pose a risk to humans.

A spokesman from the Environmental Agency said: “We take all pollution incidents seriously. We investigated the pollution incident in April and these investigations are ongoing, and we will be taking any appropriate action necessary.

“Yesterday, we were notified of a separate pollution incident that is not related to the incident in April.

“We began investigations and on this occasion there appears to be no impact on fish or wildlife, however we will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

County Coun Peter Steen, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “Though the Environmental Agency has reported that there is no risk of contamination, we still do not advise children to swim in the waters, as it’s not ideal for safety reasons.”

Anybody with information should call 0800 807060.