Thousands of fish, including eels, sticklebacks, gudgeon, and stone loach, have been found dead in a section of the River Pool within Cator Park, Beckenham. The cause of the pollution incident is currently under investigation by Thames Water and the Environment Agency (EA).
Thames Water, responsible for the local drainage network, stated it is urgently investigating the incident. The company has deployed aeration systems at several points along the River Pool to increase dissolved oxygen levels and mitigate further environmental damage. Spokespersons confirmed that tests are ongoing and acknowledged resident concerns.
Local councilor Steven Jefferies commended the EA's swift response to what he described as a tragic event. He emphasized the ecological importance of Beckenham's rivers, noting their contribution to local biodiversity and the well-being of the community.