A family of four swans have been rescued following a sewage leak at a lake in Polegate.

The mother, father and two cygnets were rescued by volunteers from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service following the leak at Shinewater Lake on Wednesday.

Trevor Weeks who coordinated the rescue, said: “This is the second spill like this here. Last time two swans died as a result.

“I am pleased with the actions of the Environment Agency and we have advised them of section of streams which need protecting to prevent cygnets from being harmed.

“As swans are filter feeders sticking their heads and necks deep into the water and silt they take in more polluted water as a result.

“Also swans are territorial so duck and other waterfowl will move on but swans with cygnets won't as they will not want to enter neighbouring swans’ territory so quite often will stay put in the affected area.

“Cygnets will not be as strong as their parents and be more susceptible to illnesses.

“This is a horrendous incident.”

The Environment Agency has been at the lake since the leak was reported.

Oxygen is being pumped into it so fish are able to breathe and can survive.