MORE than 20 ducks and six swans were rescued after fuel leaked into a river and polluted a wildlife haven.

The birds were found covered in diesel in the River Lea at Madeley, which runs into Madeley Pool.

The spillage is believed to have been caused by vandals, who broke into an unoccupied unit in nearby Netherset Industrial Estate.

Article continues below

Watch video of the ducks being cleaned

Dog walker Iain Boyd alerted environment officials after discovering the slick on Thursday.

The 45-year-old engineering consultant said: "My dog came out of the water covered in an oily film and there was a strong smell of diesel.

"It was then I noticed the whole river was covered in it.

"It's really worrying because Madeley Pool is an important wildlife area with a lot of fish and birds and this could have a devastating effect."

Three RSPCA officials arrived by 12.30pm and rescued 11 mallard ducks and two coots that afternoon.

Since then the swans and more ducks have been rescued.

A spokesman said: "Some of the birds were quite badly affected and if they hadn't been caught they would have died in the night.

"The pool is frozen at the moment so birds are going to the river and getting contaminated."

The birds were taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, near Nantwich, where staff will clean them up.

Wildlife supervisor Rob Scrivens said: "We had 12 ducks contaminated with diesel, admitted on Thursday and conducted emergency clean-ups. We also gave the birds fluids to rehydrate them and flush out the toxins and all are doing well now.

"We are expecting at least six swans and 10 more ducks over the weekend."

The Environment Agency is conducting an investigation into the incident.

Officials put booms in the water yesterday to absorb any further fuel leaking into the river and stop it spreading.

A spokesman said: "From what we can tell it's an unoccupied unit on an industrial estate that's been vandalised and red diesel has leaked into the water."

Madeley councillor James Bannister said: "Everyone involved acted very quickly to deal with this, otherwise it could have been a lot worse.

"If it is due to vandals they will be severely dealt with."

Newcastle Borough Council environmental health officials have warned people to take care in the area.

Councillor David Becket, cabinet member for the environment and recycling, said: "There is a minimal risk to residents as long as they do not come into contact with the diesel, so they are urged not to enter the River Lea or Madeley Pool, or feed the wildlife."

The extent of the pollution to the river and Madeley Pool is not yet known as the full clean-up operation gets under way in the next couple of days.

Anyone who spots an injured bird is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.