A diesel spill in the River Wandle has coated birds in oil, impacting the Watermeads Nature Reserve. Investigation ongoing.
About 4,000 liters of diesel leaked from a bus depot in Thornton Heath yesterday. The diesel went into the river, entered drains, and spread, worsening the water quality.
The Watermeads Nature Reserve, belonging to the National Trust, is now dealing with pollution. Birds are struggling to clean themselves.
The London Fire Brigade tried to stop the spill, while Thames Water is cleaning the river with assistance from the Environment Agency.
Bobby Dean, an MP, called the spill awful for the river. He wants to know why it happened and demands a cleanup plan.
Merton council advised people to stay away, avoid touching the water, keep pets out, and refrain from feeding the wildlife.
The Environment Agency will investigate the incident. The council will provide updates.