FIREFIGHTERS scrambled to contain an oil spill in a lake at the centre of a council masterplan.

Emergency services were called just before 1.30pm today after reports of heating oil spilling from a tanker into Brooklands Lake in Lancing.

Environment Agency officers and a crew from West Sussex Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene to limit the spread of pollution to the Teville Stream, which flows through Worthing.

One bystander said his head was “pounding” after witnessing crews cleaning up the spillage.

He said: “It looked like about 9,000 litres had spilled into the lake.

“I saw a dead fish floating on the water.”

A Worthing Borough Council spokesman said the diesel had reached the lake through surface water drains.

He said: “Specialist contractors have also been called in to skim the lake and reduce the impact on any wildlife in the area.

“The exact impact of this incident will not be known for some time. But we will continue to work with and support the authorities to ensure the causes are thoroughly investigated.

“We are still working to assess the full impact of this incident. Our teams continue to work with the Environment Agency and West Sussex Fire and Rescue crews to limit the spread of the pollution to the lake and adjoining Teville Stream.

“We also ask for patience from members of the public visiting the area in the coming days and assure them that we remain committed to the wider transformation of Brooklands Park into an attractive destination for all.”

An Environment Agency spokesman added: “Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing and currently the focus of our specialist officers is mitigating the potential risk of harm to the local environment.

“Initial investigations indicate that the fuel entered the lake via surface water drains.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report pollution incidents to us via our 24 hour incident hotline on 0800 807060.”

Brooklands Pleasure Park is at the centre of a council masterplan to revive tourism in Worthing and Lancing.

Blueprints were unveiled last year promising a vibrant park filled with leisure activities and an adventure playground.

Work had begun to demolish old buildings in the park, but it is unclear whether this spill will affect the plans.