THOUSANDS of fish are believed to have died after suspected pollution in a river, sparking a probe.

The Environment Agency has confirmed it is investigating the the potential pollution and the death of fish in the River Crouch in Wickford.

Wildlife campaigners claim people have been leaving human waste in the waterways, and claim up to 2,000 fish may have died.

Peter Steward, 64, one of the founders of the the River Crouch Conservation Trust, said: “I believe people are dumping sewage into the Nevendon Brook which runs from Basildon and along Radwinter Avenue in Wickford and it runs into the River Crouch near the old Co-op.

“There was grey and smelly liquid going from the book into the river.

“There’s been about 2,000 fish which have died now and they are a species including chub, dace, roach, bream, perch, flounder, eels and bullhead.

“The water was grey and there were fish at the surface of the water gasping for air. It is just disgusting and everyone is really angry about all this.

“I am feeling distraught about this and it happens almost every year. Everyone I talk to about this is feeling devastated and it’s the whole ecosystem and all the wildlife that are affected by this.”

He said he believes some dogs have been ill and this could be linked to the issue with the waterways.

The Environment Agency has been on site various times and has been pumping the water with oxygen and also substances to help increase the oxygen levels in the water.

Mr Steward added: “I am concerned that it could happen again but the agency is taking it very seriously. I think it’s people illegally dumping toxic sewage in our waterways.”

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “We are aware of the deaths of a number of fish in the River Crouch in Wickford.

“Our officers are carrying out a full investigation into the cause of this incident and have been supporting local wildlife by increasing dissolved oxygen levels in the river.

“If you spot signs of fish in distress, contact our 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 807060.”