THE Environment Agency is investigating a pollution incident at a Tynedale nature reserve.

The agency confirmed it received a report from the Northumberland Wildlife Trust of an oily substance in the water at Priestclose Wood, in Prudhoe, on Tuesday.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “One of our environment officers is liaising with the trust to progress investigations and we have been provided with details.

"We propose to analyse a sample from the water body and will take all necessary actions as determined by our investigation.”

A spokeswoman from the Northumberland Wildlife Trust said: "This is a diverse pond with three species of newt, frogs, toads and lots of different invertebrates.

"At this time of year, the pond has a covering of duckweed; this has all been killed."

Pollution in watercourses should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.