'Wastewater' likely cause of stream pollution

Investigations at the stream found a plumbing problem was the likely cause of the pollution

Wastewater from a "plumbing misconnection" was the likely cause of a stream pollution, an investigation has found.

Environment Agency (EA) officers examined the stream at Cut Throat Dene, in Seaburn, Sunderland, after reports of pollution and a local vet's warning that dogs being walked in the area were getting sick.

An EA spokesperson said its probe had found the issue was likely to have been due to a "plumbing misconnection" which was discharging wastewater, and it had told Northumbrian Water to investigate.

The water company said it had fixed the problem "straight away".

The EA's investigation took place about two weeks ago.

Roker Park Vets put out a warning to pet owners after "a noticeable increase" in cases of dogs being brought to the practice with vomiting and diarrhoea.

A spokesperson for Northumbrian Water said: "We investigated and found the cause of the problem to be a combined sewer some miles away.

"As soon as we realised the issue we fixed it straight away."

The EA said it had also asked the water firm to take steps to prevent a reoccurrence.