'Snow-like' foam on river investigated

The Environment Agency said officers were at the site to investigate the source of the foam

A large stretch of foam which has appeared on a river is being investigated by the Environment Agency (EA).

Chris Davison, 45, was cycling home at 22:45 BST on Wednesday when he spotted "what looked like snow" covering the River Skerne in Darlington.

He stopped and discovered it was a "thick" layer of foam covering the entire surface of the water.

An EA spokesperson said officers were on site and investigating the source of the foaming.

Mr Davison said: "I have never seen anything like it.

"I was cycling home from work when I happened to see it, it almost looked like snow."

He said the bright white foam had formed a thick bank and he was concerned about wildlife.

Mr Davison reported the incident to the EA and said the foam had moved down the river towards South Park in Darlington.

The foam is moving towards South Park in Darlington

Warren Bearpark, project manager for the Tees Rivers Trust, said very similar white foam appeared on the river two years ago.

"I don't think we ever found out what was causing it or where it came from," he said.

An EA spokesperson said: "We've received a report of foaming on the River Skerne in Darlington.

"Officers are on site this morning to investigate the source and to assess any impact on the environment."