Environment Agency officers are investigating "significant" pollution at a river and a tanker spill in West Sussex today. 

A mystery "pollution incident" at the River Kird has led to high levels of ammonia which is poisonous to fish and can damage other wildlife. 

And a tanker carrying landfill leachate, or waste water, overturned on Titnore Lane near the A27/A280 roundabout near Angmering yesterday afternoon. The water is leaking into the Black Ditch watercourse, and one dead eel has already been found.

Both waterways are tributaries of the River Arun. 

Simon Moody of the Environment Agency said: “Our teams are responding to two significant incidents and are taking all necessary steps to minimise the impact of these on the local environment.

“We will remain on site at both incidents to work alongside our professional partners in ensuring that all action is taken to limit any damage as much as possible. We are currently investigating how these incidents occurred and will consider what action we will need to take as a result.”

The high ammonia levels were found at Kirdford where the River Kird joins the Arun late yesterday afternoon, and officers have closely monitoring the river since and reducing the impact of pollution.

Currently, no fish have been seen in distress at the river but due to the elevated ammonia levels, the agency says "some impacts" on wildlife are expected.

Investigations are continuing in the local area to understand how the pollution occurred.

The lorry waste water got into the Black Ditch through the road gulleys and drainage systems.

Environment Agency officers are out on site taking action. A dead Eel has been seen immediately downstream of where the leachate has entered the Black Ditch.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any incidents of pollution to our 24 hour hotline on 0800 807060.