DEAD fish have been discovered in a Widnes canal.

Anglers raised the alarm after spotting fish floating lifeless on the Sankey Canal.

A thick layer of green duckweed on the surface caused low oxygen levels in the water.

Environmental officers from Halton Council and an Environment Agency fisheries officer removed more than 50 dead fish.

A joint statement from both authorities said: “There were about 50 dead fish caused by low oxygen levels in the water due to excessive amounts of duckweed and very little flow.

"As owners of the land Halton Council is now leading on the clean-up.

“The dead fish have been removed and the council will be using a specialist contractor to remove some of the sub-surface weed, which should bring with it some of the duck weed.

"The Environment Agency together with the council will continue to monitor the canal and check oxygen levels.

"In addition local angling clubs have been made aware.

“The Environment Agency works to make the environment a better place for people and wildlife.”

Anyone who sees dead fish, fish in distress or a pollution incident should call the 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.