THE Environment Agency is investigating a pollution incident in South Tynedale.
The agency confirmed it received a report of polluted water in the Hartley Burn, at Halton Lea Gate, on Monday.
It said environment officers had found sediment was affecting at least 6km (3.7 miles) of the watercourse, which flows into the River Tyne at Featherstone.
There is no evidence at this stage that the pollution has had any detrimental affect on fish, or wildlife in the area.
Sophie Wild, of the Environment Agency's land and water team, said the cause of the pollution was still being investigated:
She added: "We received a report on Monday of pollution in the Hartley Burn at Halton Lea Gate following a period of heavy rain.
"Samples have been taken and ecology and fisheries experts at the Environment Agency have also conducted surveys to assess what impacts this incident may have had on the watercourse.
"Further investigations are ongoing into the source, cause and impact of the pollution."
Pollution in watercourses should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.
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