River oil leak continues for fourth day

Efforts to control oil leaking into a stretch of river have continued for a fourth day.

Teams have been at the source of the leak on the River Wye at Rotherwas, in Herefordshire, since Friday.

A boom and absorbent sheets have been placed around the drainage outlet to control the spread of what is believed to be engine oil.

The Environment Agency (EA) said it was continuing to investigate the incident and was working closely with Welsh Water.

Staff from the EA and Welsh Water have been at the site through the weekend trying to locate the source of the pollution and staff from the agency are currently working at the culvert.

The BBC has seen pictures showing oil on the surface 30 miles downstream of the spill.

Welsh Water and the EA have checked the pipe at various intervals and tested the water, leading them to believe the oil was coming from the Rotherwas Industrial Estate.

In a statement, the agency said its staff had attended the site three times over the holiday period, and had placed an oil boom and pads to contain and absorb the spill.

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