Large number of dead fish found in Dorset angling lakes
The Environment Agency's now investigating a possible poisoning
An investigation's been launched after a large number of fish were found dead at lakes in Chickerell in Weymouth.
It's thought a contaminating substance was poured into the water at Harbour Bridge Lakes, around April 8th.
Thousands of fish are reported to have died.
Dorset Police were called in when the incident first happened - but they've told us the Environment Agency is now leading the investigation.
Steve Sidworth, club captain of the Dorchester and District Angling Society says this is a threat to sea and bird life:
"If it is some sort of chemical that's got in there, there's a possibility that it kills more fish and more bird life.
"Birds were seen eating a dead fish on the bank and the following day was found dead in the exact place. The day after that, seagulls wre picking up dead fish off the surface, and since then we've seen hardly any seagulls around that lake."
Steve says the club is helping the lake's owner:
"Probably 70% of the fish in this lake have died. It's going to cost to restock these lakes - we are a member of the Angling Trust and they may be able to help us out. Even without that, we will do all we can to support the fishery owner, to help restock, and get it back up and running because it's his livelihood."