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Warning over River Trent cyanide Warning over River Trent cyanide
(31 minutes later)
People have been warned to stay away from part of the River Trent in Staffordshire after it was polluted with untreated sewage and cyanide. The deadly chemical cyanide and a quantity of raw sewage have leaked into a 30-mile stretch of the River Trent in Staffordshire.
Thousands of fish have died and people are urged to keep out of the river between Stoke-on-Trent and Yoxall. Thousands of fish have died and people are being warned to stay away from the river while the incident is controlled.
An investigation has begun into the cause of the pollution. The Environment Agency said pollution in the stretch between Stoke-on-Trent and Yoxall made it a health risk.
The Environment Agency also advised that, as a precaution, animals and livestock should be kept out of the water. Farmers, anglers and boaters have been warned that water should not be taken out of the river "for any reason".
A spokesman said: "We are tracking it. By the time it goes through the downstream it would have been diluted by other tributaries coming in, so hopefully the risk should have reduced." 'Tracking' pollution
The Environment Agency said the pollution was expected to reach Burton on Trent by late afternoon on Wednesday.
It is thought the risk to the public may then have been reduced but officers were continuing to monitor the situation.
A spokeswoman said an investigation had been launched into the cause but could not give further information for legal reasons.
The cyanide and untreated sewage were at levels to be "cause for concern, especially with regard to fish, wildlife and animals".
Thousands of fish have already died but it was important that farm animals and dogs were kept out of the water.
"We are tracking the pollution as it moves downstream," the spokeswoman added.