Over 2,000 fish found dead in County Derry river due to pollution

The loss of more than 2,000 fish from the Muff River at Eglinton as a result of pollution is a significant blow to the local environment, it has been claimed.

DUP councillor Julie Middleton said the loss of so many fish will have a "significant impact" on the river and like any significant pollution incident, it will "undoubtedly take some years for it to fully recover".

She said: "With a range of species and ages affected there will also be a wider effect on the environment too.

There is a particular fear that sea trout who return to the river to spawn may be impacted by the incident.

"There is now a joint investigation underway between NIEA and the Loughs Agency. I hope that they can quickly identify the source of this incident and ensure that enforcement action is taken.”

The NIEA has described the incident as a "major fish kill" and said a "specific line of enquiry" had been established.