Killingworth Lake is a popular Tyneside fishery with local anglers, but they were devastated to learn that some 10,000 fish have been found dead over the last two days.

EA officials have now mounted an urgent investigation after initial tests found nothing unusual apart from the oxygen level being low, but not low enough to cause fish deaths on this scale.

“At the moment all I can say is that we’ve never seen anything that has had such a devastating but localised effect like this, so we’re asking for every test we can to get as much information as possible,” commented Environment Agency officer Graham Siddle.

If you have information that could help the investigation ring this hotline number: 0800 807060.