Dozens of dead fish found in public pond

Dozens of fish were found dead around the Springfield Mere on Monday

Dozens of dead fish have been discovered in a public pond in Shrewsbury, with others reportedly struggling for air and swimming to shore.

Locals said they began reporting fish in distress at the Springfield Mere on Sunday.

The Environment Agency (EA) said it was looking into the incident.

The BBC has contacted Shrewsbury Town Council, which owns the site, for comment.

"I think we need to know why they are [dead], whether it’s something to do with the water or whether it's some sort of natural reaction," said nearby resident, Lesley Wenshall.

“I've never seen this before. It's quite unusual, so many fish."

In a statement, the EA did not specify a precise cause, but blamed "low oxygen levels due to the natural decomposition of organic material, exacerbated by the feeding of the local wildfowl population".

This could include anything from leaves and other natural matter, to food given to ducks.

Locals started reporting fish in distress on Sunday

There are three ponds on the site owned by the local authority.

They sit within a larger area of council-owned land, which includes a play area, BMX track and a community centre and car park.