About 90 fish killed after pollution in river

Dozens of fish are thought to have been killed by pollution in a Devon river, officials have said.

The Environment Agency said it was investigating after it received reports of a chemical entering the River Lew, near Okehampton, late on Monday.

A spokesperson for the agency said about 90 fish had so far died and samples had been taken from the river for analysis to help identify the source of the pollutant.

South West Water said it was aware of the reports and it was supporting the agency with its investigation.

An agency spokesperson said: "Whilst the nature of the pollutant is yet to be confirmed we have advised local landowners and residents to keep pets and livestock away from the river as a precaution.

"Members of the public are urged to report pollution incidents."

They added once fish surveys had finished the total number of fish killed could be higher.

On Tuesday the agency said the source of the chemical had been found and stopped.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].