Investigation underway after oil spill at lake in Horsham

The incident, which was first reported on March 16, was discovered at a lake on Newells Lane, in Horsham, which is home to a small commercial fishery.

Andrew Bailey, who owns the fishery, said that the Environment Agency (EA) were investigating the spill, but the source had not yet been discovered. 

He added: "The Agency have been great, the people on the ground are doing their job and they've been knocking on doors.

"Hopefully someone somewhere will put their hands up.

"They might not even know it's happening, but a pipe will probably have to be dug up and replaced."

Images from the lake show absorbent pads that have been placed on the water to help soak up the oil.

The EA have provided some pads, but Mr Bailey said he has had to pay for more out of his own pocket.

Animal rescue service Horsham Wildlife Rescue is currently caring for a duck that has been affected by the incident, but warned that other wildlife could have been harmed.

Horsham wildlife Rescue is currently caring for a duck affected by the spill (Image: Horsham Wildlife Rescue)

A spokesperson for Horsham Wildlife Rescue said: "Ducklings are likely to be using the pond soon once they hatch.

"Frog spawn has been destroyed in the silt trap and frogs are likely to have been killed by the pollution.

"Deer and other animals drink from the stock pond."

Mr Bailey, who said the fishery is his only source of income, added that the spill could cost "thousands of pounds" if his fish were harmed or killed as a result. 

He said that he believed the source was likely to be heating oil or kerosene that was leaking from a nearby property.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "Environment Agency officers responded promptly to reports of an oil spill on 16 March and acted quickly to contain the substance within the affected lake using specialised equipment.

"We are working closely with residents and landowners, and our investigation is ongoing to find the source. We continue to follow all reasonable lines of enquiry, and we are urging anyone with an oil tank to check it is in a good state of repair.

"Anyone with information is encouraged to contact our incident line on 0800807060."