Pollutant running through Kennet and Avon Canal this morning (Tues)

The Environment Agency and the Canal and River Trust have confirmed that they are aware of the issue and will be updating the Newbury Weekly News with further information on the likely cause, extent of the leak and the next steps to restore the habitat of the canal’s wildlife as they have it.
The Newbury Weekly News was alerted to the issue by a concerned local resident who saw the dense liquid on the water as he walked into Newbury at around 10am.
We sent reporter Ellis Barker to the scene, who saw some birds sitting along the banks of the canal while others remained swimming in the polluted water.

Shortly before 11am, a large amount of the substance could be seen in the canal at West Mills, which appeared to have come from the west and was heading through town towards Victoria Park.
No emergency services or Environment Agency teams could be seen at the site.
More follows.