FIRE crews have stepped in after fish died in a lake as temperatures rose.

The fish in Brooklands Lake in Worthing died as the heatwave deprived the water of oxygen, with some seen gasping for air while floating on their side.

The Argus: Fish in Brooklands Lake perished due to a lack of oxygen caused by the extreme heatFish in Brooklands Lake perished due to a lack of oxygen caused by the extreme heat

West Sussex Fire and Rescue used one of its high-powered pumps to recycle water in the lake and jet it over the surface to help increase oxygen levels.

The Environment Agency has told Adur and Worthing Councils that many other stretches of water are suffering the same problem due to the extreme temperatures.

A council spokesman said: “Lakes and ponds across the country have been hit by the extreme weather event and a number of fish at Brooklands have already perished.

“The council has given its thanks to West Sussex Fire and Rescue for its prompt action.”

An amber weather warning is in place across Sussex due to the extreme heat, with temperatures set to reach 32C in Worthing tomorrow.