"Hundreds of dead and dying fish found floating in Coventry river"

The sight has horrified passers-by



Hundreds of dead and dying fish have been found floating in a stretch of river running through Coventry.

The sight in the River Sowe as it passes through Severn Arches has horrified passers-by.

As well as the fish lying lifeless in the water, some who were desperate for air leapt out of the water but have been found dead on the river bank itself.

White foam has also been spotted gathering in the Longford Park section of the Sowe.

There are suggestions that the fish died following the huge factory fire at Prologis Park in Keresley, although this hasn't been confirmed.

The Environment Agency is carrying out investigations into what has caused the fish to die.

Art Clegg posted a message on Facebook warning people about staying away from the water after walking along the stretch of river.

"Urgent notice for residents around Severn Arches in Willenhall on the River Sowe in Coventry city," he said.

"After the recent fire at Prologis Park the river has become toxic. There are hundreds of dead and dying fish in the water. Some fish have hauled out from the water to try and escape.

"Don't let your children or pets in the water, it's toxic, keep safe."

The Environment Agency were at the scene of the fire after it first broke out on Thursday and a spokesperson explained that investigations into the cause of the foam and the discovery of the dead fish are ongoing.

In the meantime, a specialist team was dispatched to the area to oxygenate the water to help those fish struggling to breathe.

They spent much of Saturday (August 21) aerating the water after hundreds of fish are believed to have perished.