A ‘blood-red’ colour that appeared in a pond and sparked concern among park-goers has been identified as a non-toxic bacteria.

The moat transformed overnight on Thursday in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow and Waltham Forest council have said they are ‘seeking solutions’ to the problem which is also causing an intense methane smell.

In a leaflet entitled ‘Why has the moat turned pink?’ placed around the water’s edge a council spokesperson says the conditions of the shady, non flowing water has meant the bacterium has been able to flourish.

The flyer reads: "We are seeking solutions for dealing with the bacteria and the bloom of green algae, which is also very apparent in the moat at the moment, however none of the solutions are inexpensive or quick to implement."

The naturally occurring bacterial bloom had alarmed one resident who thought the new colour was blood-like and alerted the park wardens.

A council spokeswoman issued a warning to park users who overfeed the ducks, linking excess methane gas produced by the birds, to the bacteria bloom.

She said: “We get methane gas in this area because people feed large amounts of food to the ducks, which sinks to the bottom and along with all their poo rots down.

“When geese feed, pulling up the weeds, the gases from this rotting process are released.

"We don’t wish to prevent people from feeding the ducks, as many people love doing this, but we do ask that you feed them responsibly."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Blood red colour in Lloyd Park moat.