ALDERSBROOK: Public warned to stay away from site of bird deaths (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

ALDERSBROOK: Public warned to stay away from site of bird deaths

5:11pm Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

THE public has been warned to stay away from a pond where the dead bodies of more than 40 birds were found.

The City of London Corporation has called on residents to keep clear of Alexandra Lake on Wanstead Flats after the grim discovery was made yesterday (Tuesday).

No information has yet been given about the species of bird affected - but the site is known to be home to a large number of geese, ducks and other wildfowl.

The body of a dog is also thought to have been found at the scene, in Aldersbrook Road.

A spokesman for the City of London Corporation, which maintains Wanstead Flats, said: "There have been unexplained bird deaths on and around Alexandra Lake and we have also received details of the death of a dog that was taken for a walk in the area of the Lake on 8th March.

"The area has been cordoned off and warning signs have been erected. Natural England, in association with the Environment Agency is leading on an investigation.

"Epping Forest Keepers are on site to give out advice and the public are urged to stay away from the area and keep their dogs on leads.

"Post mortem examinations of some of the dead birds are being carried out by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

"The City of London, the Environment Agency, DEFRA, Met Police and LBR Environmental Health will all take appropriate actions following on the results of these tests."

If you were one of the people who discovered the dead birds, call reporter Sam Adams on: 07970 589 268.