Thousands of fish found dead in Harbour Bridge Lakes

The fish were found dead at Harbour Bridge Lakes between Chickerell and Nottington.

A local angling group has informed members not to fish at the lakes, due to "suspected deliberate chemical poisoning".

Police are investigating the incident, and samples have been taken by the Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

Fishery owner Jim Roper discovered the dead fish on Friday April 8.

Thousands of fish were found dead at the fishing lakes (Image: Jim Roper)

Mr Roper said: "I was alerted by a text from an angler at 7.25 on Good Friday morning.

"Several thousand fish had been found dead at the site.

"I notified CEFAS, but it was a bank holiday. The Environment Agency and CEFAS have taken samples during last week, but no results are ready yet.

"Any comment on what was used or why it was done is pure speculation until test results are available."

So far more than 3,000 dead fish have been found dead or dying at the lakes.

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A Muscovy duck which had been seen eating a dead fish was later found dead.

There is concern for wildlife after flocks of black-headed gulls were seen taking fish floating on the lake surface.

Herons and Kingfishers also use the lakes to feed and could be at risk.

Among the dead fish included an 18lb carp, which was the largest to have been found affected.

An 18lb Karp found dead at the lakes (Image: Jim Roper)

Jim added: "A few gulls have been present since, but nowhere near as many as were here a few days ago picking up dead fish as they float to the surface.

"I have not seen any kingfishers or herons since the incident."

On Saturday (April 15), Jim and fellow Radipole Lake Anglers worked on a clean-up operation, burning over 3,000 dead fish.

Concern has been raised for birds which visit the lakes to feed (Image: Dorchester and District Angling Society)

A statement from the Dorchester and District Angling Society (DDAS) Club Captain Steve Sudworth warned locals to avoid fishing in the area and ensure rods were cleaned to prevent further contamination.

It wrote: "We, the DDAS committee kindly request that members do not fish these (concession) lakes until further notice.

"If you do go down there, please ensure all equipment is totally dry before visiting any other water and wash your hands."

"DDAS will do all we can to assist the landlord/fishery owner Jim in getting it back up and running again."